Academy Home • Registration Form • List of Classes by Topic • List of Classes by Month • Classes A-D • E-I • J-R • S-Z
Accident Investigation
Prerequisite: Photography for Law Enforcement.
Now a one-week format. Materials needed on first day: template, scientific calculator (recommend Texas Instrument TI-30XZ), and compass. Students will learn to properly identify and record physical evidence and factual data from accident scene. Instructional topics will include: measuring and diagramming, estimating vehicle speed, gathering and analyzing evidence from the scene, and calculating speed from skid-marks, vehicle dynamics and photography review. To successfully complete this course, participants should be present for all instruction. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that court appearances and other appointments are scheduled so that they do not conflict with training dates.
Alternate Light Source
Techniques
This two-day practical seminar is designed to assist new and experienced law enforcement personnel in the utilization of Alternate Light Sources. Students will learn practical application techniques to recover evidence left on a crime scene. Alternate Light Sources detect trace evidence including body fluids, blood, narcotics, hair, fibers, bite marks, arson along with latent print processing on difficult surfaces. Very little lecture occurs in this course as students will have a lot of hands on, practical applications.
Auto Theft
Auto theft is a two day training program for patrol officers and investigators providing both time proven and innovative methods in conducting successful vehicle theft investigations. This seminar will include an enhanced look at techniques that will lead to more productive victim interviews. Community involvement with emphasis on developing awareness for vehicle protection and strategies to reduce the crime through the use of community oriented police concepts will be a major focal point in the course instruction. Methods to enhance the initial preliminary investigation and report writing process, theft case tracking, pattern offense analysis and identification, and physical evidence recovery will be presented. This course will identify the current trends in vehicle theft and carjacking crimes being experienced today, and suggest viable crime prevention methods to initiate from the patrol level with the interaction of the community to combat these problems.
Basic Bloodstain Pattern
Analysis Workshop
A five-day workshop designed to assist crime scene technicians, detectives and forensic investigators in the recognition, documentation and evaluation of blood stain patterns when processing those scenes involving blood shed. Reconstruction of a crime scene requires accurate description and documentation of all evidence observed and collected. This course is a must for any person involved in Investigating or processing crime scenes that involve bloodshed. This basic workshop will introduce law enforcement personnel to the definitions of bloodstain pattern types—the way patterns are created, drying time, volume, photography, documentation and court room techniques. Its extensive hands-on training gives the student first hand knowledge of how bloodstain interpretation is accomplished. This course is taught in plain English so it may be understood when explained to the average citizen and attorney. A scientific calculator and supplies will be provided for training.
Basic Sheriff's Intelligence Unit
This course conducts a basic examination of street gang investigations. Designed for officers, deputies and correctional staff who may possess basic street gang knowledge, this program offers you a study of national gang structures, analytical intelligence gathering techniques, graffiti analysis, officer survival skills, confidential informant development and interrogation techniques.
The Bulletproof Mind
Law enforcement personnel who have the responsibility to act in conflict (i.e., combat) situations will learn about the psychological and physiological aspects of conflict. The class also will discuss the origins of the killing mind, which is important in developing identification and prevention perspectives.
Burglary
This two-day course presents all aspects of conducting practical commercial and residential burglary investigations. Crimes will be examined from the initial offenses, crime scene interviews, physical evidence recovery and case profiling. This course features emphasis on the current trends in the crime of burglary and the means for locating outlets for stolen property to enhance recovery. Both time-proven and innovative methods in burglary investigation techniques will be discussed.
Child Safety Seat
Re-Certification
Students must bring their manuals for updates. Technicians must become re-certified annually by passing a test which will include both hands-on and verbal demonstrations to accurately install the four basic types of child seats. This course is designed for participants who have previously taken the Child Safety Seat Inspection Certification class. Students will be updated in current child safety seat and automotive technology that affects the installation of child safety seats. Updated information and hand-outs on certifications and interaction with citizens regarding child passenger safety will be discussed. Questions addressing problems seen in the field with cars and car seats and installation will be highlighted and discussed in detail.
Child Safety Seat
Technician Certification
This course is taught through a combination of lectures, discussions of new issues, role- playing, and hands on practice with both child safety seats and seat belt systems. Students should be prepared for the substantial physical activity needed to install safety seats. They will take both written and hands-on tests, and participate in a “real world” child safety seat checkpoint, where students must demonstrate proficiency communicating and demonstrating proper installation to the public.
Civil
Disturbance Unit—Basic (FCPD only)
The civil disturbance unit functions as a team, permitting integration of tactics, flexibility and mobility. In this ;four-day course, officers will be trained in crowd dispersal, victim/officer rescues, building entries during hostile situations, looting suppression, mass arrests, non-compliance arrest techniques and use of chemical munitions. With predictions of increased civil unrest, the potential for terrorist activity and the urbanization of Fairfax County, it is imperative that the department maintain a high degree of readiness. Through its training, tactics and equipment, the CDU is prepared to respond and resolve any civil disturbance situation which may confront the county. Officers that complete this class will be put on an eligibility list for inclusion in the unit.
Close Quarters Combat and Ground Fighting
Wear loose fitting athletic attire. This four-day course is designed to specifically address the everyday situations that confront and pose a threat to Law Enforcement personnel. It is based on assumptions that in every arrest situation you will eventually have to close the distance to affect an arrest. Tactics and techniques from Judo, Wrestling, Sombo, and Brazilian Jujitsu will be taught. This course has immediate practical application. It emphasizes weapon retention, escapes, take downs, and control techniques in promoting officer safety.
Close Quarters
Combat Refresher
Wear loose fitting athletic attire. This class is designed for those that have already attended the four day Close Quarters Combat School and wish to brush up on the skills that were taught.
Conducting Undercover
Operations
This three-day course is designed to give new and currently operating drug investigators a formal understanding of the essential aspects necessary for initiating and conducting successful undercover operations against drug violators. Students will gain knowledge, skills, and abilities in identifying the types of undercover assignments, addressing the legal issues associated with undercover operations, considering the safety and security aspects of undercover operations, using selected surveillance equipment and applying the steps in conducting operations.
Command Staff - Media Relations
This police media training seminar includes:
- Controlling the flow of information
- Disarming investigative reporters
- Working under declining media ethics
- Turning negative press into positive press
- Becoming more pro-active with media
- Taking control of news interviews
- How to get your own TV show
- Surviving unfair interview techniques
- Maintaining a positive public image
- Crime scene news conference
Counter-Terrorism in Law
Enforcement
Local law enforcement plays a vital role in the counter-terrorism effort, probably more than it even begins to understand. This course will help students understand the terrorist mindset and how this new "criminal" operates and functions. Emphasis is placed on gathering intelligence and evidence to uncover and exploit criminal activity that may be linked to the terrorist effort. Covering both international and domestic terrorism, the course will identify specific indicators and methods that may lead to exposing or identifying persons or organizations associated with a variety of terrorist efforts. Emphasis is placed on using current law enforcement techniques and skills enhanced by a new perspective to work within the Constitution, but outside the realm of normal enforcement activities. The course covers specific criminal investigations in the non-traditional law enforcement atmosphere.
Crime Scene Procedures
Prerequisite: Photography for Law Enforcement. This class will introduce the student to the basics of crime scene processing to include: photography, forensics, medical examiner, diagrams, anthropology, footwear, packaging, blood splatter and crime scene processing.
Criminal Investigations
This course is targeted for officers, deputies, or new investigators entering the field of criminal investigations. It provides a solid foundation in the basics of proper investigative procedures. All aspects of conducting a complete criminal investigation are presented, and students are taken through the investigative process, step by step, from the initial crime to the arrest and eventual prosecution of the suspect. Emphasis is placed on proper documentation and legal guidelines. Upon completion of the course, the student will have a better working knowledge of the field of Criminal Investigation and the basic tools needed to be effective.
Criminal
Investigations—Advanced
Prerequisite: Criminal Investigations or three years of law enforcement experience. This course is an advanced version of Criminal Investigations. It goes into more detail and specifics and expands upon the material taught in the Criminal Investigations Course.
Criminal Patrol Tactics
This fast paced two-day course is intended for patrol officers and supervisors who want to become more effective in detecting and arresting criminals operating motor vehicles, including drug users, drug traffickers, fugitives and gang members. The training focuses on objective criteria for criminal interdiction and not on so-called profiling techniques. This program has been approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Department of Justice. The following areas will be covered:
- Criminal patrol procedures
- Officer safety
- Roadside interviews
- Detecting deception
- Arrest tactics
- Concealment areas
- Informant development
- Practical exercises
Damage Control for Administrators and
Supervisors
“How to Take Control When Things Turn Bad.” The worst has happened (an unarmed individual has been shot by an officer; a pursuit has left an innocent 3rd party dead; a female prisoner has been sexually assaulted by an officer; a narcotics officer has been involved in a drug conspiracy). How quickly and appropriately your agency responds to these spontaneous and unforeseen events can determine the duration of exposure and the amount of damage control needed to maintain agency morale and regain the confidence of the public you serve. This course, designed as a crisis management template, will provide public safety executives, middle managers and first line supervisors with various strategies to bring the crisis under control, deal internally and externally with the fallout and mitigate the incident.
Defensive Tactics Instructor Re-Certification
Re-certification is due every three years. Students are requested to wear athletic attire. This class will re-certify instructors in the areas of Defensive Tactics and General Instruction.
Deviant Groups and Cult
Recognition
Open to sworn officers only. This course will focus on the identification and operation of various groups with particular attention given to belief systems, characteristics of cult groups, types of cults, local and national trends, and crime scene evidence.
Dogfighting Investigations -
Conduit to Drugs, Gangs and Guns
Hosting Agency.Member agencies must enroll through FCCJA and ALSO enroll through VCPI at www.vcpionline.org/trainingcalendar.asp prior to September 15, 2008 at 0800 hours.
Non-member agencies must enroll directly through VCPI at www.vcpionline.org/trainingcalendar.asp. Do NOT contact FCCJA for enrollment.
This training will cover such topics as:
- the connection between dogfighting and other felony and misdemeanor crimes such as gang activity and weapons and drug crimes
- profiles of dogfighters
- investigative and surveillance techniques
- indicia of dogfighting rings
- search warrant execution and evidence handling including information on dogs as evidence
- follow-up work with zoning, health department, veterinarians and animal control
- overview of federal animal fighting codes, including an overview of cockfighting
Domestic Violence Investigation
and Intervention
During this three-day course, students will be presented with techniques to assist them in responding to and investigating domestic violence. Emphasis will be placed on determining probable cause, assessing types of injuries, collecting evidence, and prosecuting without a cooperative victim. The course will also cover officer safety concerns, causes of abuse, why victims refuse to cooperate, and other related criminal activity including stalking, telephone and computer violations, and protective order violations.
Drug/Narcotic Interdiction
for the Patrol Officer
When officers confront individuals who are highly intoxicated and life threatening, corroborating evidence may be quickly destroyed. Evidence of drugs and/or intoxication must be detected immediately. The officer must know the proper technique to investigate drug use, manufacture and sale. Upon responding to a drug crime scene the officer must be properly trained and prepared to give credible testimony in order to achieve a favorable outcome in a court of law.