collage includes forensic photographer, dna graphic, finger and footprint recovery

Crime Scene Training

The training of police and support staff in the identification, recording and recovery of evidence from crime scenes includes crime scene photography and the recovery of trace evidence. 

Initial crime scene training can be achieved by one of two routes:

A nine-week, residential, Initial Crime Scene Investigator Training Course at Harperley Hall, covering photography, combined trace evidence theory and practice.

Or, a three-week Volume Crime Scene Investigator Course covering disciplines required to examine burglary and vehicle crime with the principal focus being on DNA and fingerprint evidence.

This is followed by the Conversion VCSI Course which will enhance the existing skills of the VCSI to bring them up to the level of a substantive CSI.

Development of the CSI is continued by way of the Development Crime Scene Investigator Course which develops the skills in specialised areas including the investigation of suspicious fires and scenes where firearms and/or explosives have been used.

Successful completion of the Crime Scene Investigator Training is an entry level onto the Durham University Crime Scene Diploma Programme.  The Development Course completes the two-year learning programme for Crime Scene Examiners and forms part of the Diploma Programme.