Crime Scene Investigation

About the course

This five-day, hands-on crime scene investigation course will be held in Lexington, Massachusetts and is designed for law enforcement officers and civilian crime scene investigators. The course emphasizes practical skills, real-world decision-making, and professional documentation — not “death by PowerPoint.”

Participants work through each stage of a professional investigation, focusing on crime scene management, evidence recognition, and proper collection techniques. The course is suitable for both newer investigators developing foundational skills and experienced personnel seeking to refine and reinforce best practices.

A key component of this course is the continuous use of forensic photography throughout the entire week. While dedicated instruction time is allotted for forensic photography, participants will actively use cameras throughout the course to document suspects, victims, witnesses, and crime scenes, as well as to properly photograph latent prints and other evidence. Instruction includes shooting in RAW format and maintaining consistent, court-ready photographic documentation from scene to submission.

Classroom instruction is paired with extensive hands-on exercises and real case discussion. Topics include:

• Crime scene management and documentation
• Forensic photography and evidence-specific imaging
• Latent print processing and preservation
• Footwear and tire impression evidence
• Cyanoacrylate fuming
• Forensic light sources
• Tape and trace evidence
• Biological and blood evidence

Known for an engaging teaching style grounded in real-world experience, Dave delivers training that is practical, direct, and immediately applicable in the field. This five-day course includes comprehensive instruction, hands-on exercises, and digital reference materials and course handouts for continued learning.

About the presenter

Dave is a retired detective from the Watertown, Massachusetts Police Department, where he began his law enforcement career in 1986. He concluded his service with more than 23 years assigned to the Detective Division. During his career, he oversaw the department’s crime laboratory, served as a primary investigator on major crimes, and functioned as the department’s forensic photographer.

Dave holds a degree from Western New England College and was unanimously elected class leader of the National Forensic Academy, Session XVII. His advanced training includes specialized instruction through the DEA, FBI, and United States Secret Service training programs.

Since retiring from law enforcement, Dave has continued to teach, consult, and conduct investigations involving complex crime scenes, cold cases, and forensic reviews. He remains actively engaged in the professional investigative community, serving in leadership and advisory roles across multiple organizations and working closely with law enforcement agencies nationwide.

Dave has presented at major professional conferences and training programs across the country, sharing best practices in crime scene management, forensic documentation, and evidence handling. He continues to serve as a respected educator, working as a teaching associate with the National Forensic Academy and as a CSI instructor for the Northeast Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC), Sirchie, and other regional and national programs.

During the Boston Marathon Bombing investigation, Dave served as the local crime scene point of contact, assisting in the coordination of scene operations and forensic response efforts.

As a licensed Massachusetts Private Investigator, Dave remains committed to advancing professional standards through hands-on instruction, mentorship, and practical training for law enforcement and private-sector professionals.