This intensive five-day Death Investigation course provides a structured, real-world framework for conducting thorough, objective, and legally defensible death investigations. Participants are guided through every phase of a case—from the initial patrol response and scene control to evidence recognition, crime scene reconstruction, search warrant preparation, digital evidence strategy, investigative interviewing, and final case preparation for prosecution.

An emphasis is placed on crime scene reconstruction techniques, including bloodstain pattern recognition, bullet trajectory analysis, wound characteristics, and the interpretation of physical evidence to reconstruct events. Participants will also learn the investigative value of 911 call analysis, strategic interview and interrogation techniques, and behavioral evidence assessment to strengthen investigative decision-making and identify inconsistencies that may otherwise be overlooked.

Students develop the skills necessary to recognize staged or equivocal scenes, distinguish homicide from suicide indicators, avoid confirmation bias, and follow a repeatable investigative process that improves case clarity, investigative accuracy, and overall solvability.

Drawing from 35 years in law enforcement—including more than two decades investigating homicides Detective Mark Crider incorporates lessons learned from serving as the lead investigator in over 120 homicide investigations, hundreds of suspicious death investigations, and thousands of witnesses, victim, and suspect interviews. Through real case studies, practical exercises, and strategic analysis, participants learn practical techniques that can be immediately applied in the field. The course is designed to strengthen investigative performance, improve documentation, increase prosecutorial confidence, reduce agency liability, and enhance clearance outcomes in major crimes investigations.

Section Six Training courses are built around practical investigative decision-making, real case experience, and immediately applicable techniques—not academic theory. Participants leave with tools they can implement on their very next investigation.

Topics Covered

•Initial patrol response and scene management

•Crime scene reconstruction methodology

•Bloodstain pattern recognition

•Bullet trajectory analysis

•Wound characteristics and interpretation

•911 call analysis

•Search warrant preparation

•Digital evidence strategy

•Interview and interrogation techniques

•Behavioral evidence assessment

•Staged and equivocal death investigations

•Homicide vs. suicide analysis

•Confirmation bias and investigative decision-making

•Case preparation for prosecution

•Courtroom testimony and documentation

Death Investigations