Forensic Macro Photography

About the presenter

Since 1986, Dave has been a dedicated member of the Watertown, MA Police Department, serving as a detective in the Division of Criminal Investigations.  In addition to overseeing the department’s crime lab, he is the primary investigator in major crimes and also serves as the department photographer.

Dave’s impressive educational background includes a degree from Western New England College, completed and unanimously elected as class leader of the National Forensic Academy Session XVII, and specialized training from the DEA, FBI, and United States Secret Service Academies.

With a deep commitment to his profession, Dave is actively involved and sits on the board of directors in several organizations, including the Vidocq Society, Cold Case Initiative, Safe Community Cooperative and Watertown Police Relief Association. He has held leadership positions in the National Forensic Academy Alumni Association, Licensed Private Detectives of Massachusetts, and serves as a member of LPDAM, ASIS, IAI, NEDIAI, NEMLEC, IAFCI, INTELLENET, SCALI, IACSI and NFAAA.

Dave is a highly respected educator, serving as a teaching associate for the National Forensic Academy and a CSI Instructor for Northeast Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) and Sirchie. He has taught at the local, state, and federal level, as well as for Boston University’s Forensic Science Program.

During the investigation and capture of the Boston Marathon Bombers, Dave played a pivotal role as the local crime scene point of contact. He has shared his expertise and experiences at numerous conferences, symposiums, and seminars on Best Practices in Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, and Violent Crimes. As a licensed Massachusetts Private Investigator, Dave is passionate about teaching and meeting law enforcement professionals and members of the private sector across the country!

This course is direct practicum where participants  receive firsthand practical training in forensic investigation techniques related to detectives, crime scene investigators, and lab personnel.  The target audience includes law enforcement officers, civilian CSI, and personnel dealing with crime scene and evidence processing, as well as forensic photography of latent evidence for identification and comparison or submission to AFIS/IAFIS.

This course will allow investigators to learn the proper techniques of how to use cyanoacrylate to prepare evidence for dye stain processing. Fluorescent dyes come in a range of colors and each type will excite at a specific range (nanometers) using an alternate/forensic light source. The dye stains are used to enhance latent fingerprints that have been developed with cyanoacrylate on non-fluorescent, multicolored surfaces. The use of various fluorescent dyes and color barrier filters and goggles will also be instructed.  Participants will learn how to avoid common mistakes such as over-fuming and will be instructed on proper documentation, photography, and processing of non-porous items.

This course is led by experienced investigator and instructor, Dave, who will guide participants through hands-on practical training clearly defining the processes of using cyanoacrylate, dye stains and ALS/FLS to obtain maximum results, will also demonstrate how to use almost anything as a fuming chamber.

This course also instructs participants on how to mix their own dye stains, extending shelf life and saving on police supply budgets. Participants will learn how to properly photograph and  process evidence obtaining better results in identification.

This course is an all-day, one-day (8-hour) course with both lecture and practical training. Participants will receive handouts on a thumb drive for later reference.  This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge from a seasoned investigator and instructor.