This five-day Death Investigations course provides a practical, structured approach to conducting thorough, objective, and legally defensible death investigations. Participants follow the investigative process from initial patrol response and scene management through crime scene reconstruction, search warrants, digital evidence, investigative interviewing, and case preparation for prosecution.

Emphasis is placed on crime scene reconstruction, including bloodstain pattern recognition, bullet trajectory analysis, wound characteristics, and physical evidence interpretation. Additional topics include 911 call analysis, interview and interrogation strategies, staged and equivocal scenes, homicide versus suicide indicators, and avoiding confirmation bias.

Drawing from 35 years in law enforcement and more than two decades investigating homicides, Detective Mark Crider uses real case studies and lessons learned from serving as lead investigator in more than 120 homicide investigations. Participants leave with practical techniques and a repeatable investigative process they can immediately apply in the field.

Topics Covered

Initial patrol response and scene management
Crime scene reconstruction
Bloodstain pattern recognition
Bullet trajectory and wound characteristics
911 call and behavioral analysis
Search warrants and digital evidence
Interview and interrogation techniques
Staged and equivocal death scenes
Homicide vs. suicide analysis
Confirmation bias
Case preparation and courtroom testimony