During this dynamic course, you will use actual case studies and “hands-on” applications as you learn how to determine the orientation and location of individuals involved in a shooting incident, the sequence of shots fired, and the location or position of objects at the scene.

We will explore the latest reconstruction principles and methods for investigating and documenting projectile-related scenes.  You will have the opportunity to observe live fire demonstrations involving vehicles and many other target surfaces.  Following each shooting exercise, you will be assigned the challenge of using classroom and field tools to measure, test, and document your observation of the event.

In addition, we will teach you how to incorporate the principles of mathematics, lasers and the latest computer software diagramming systems to document your reconstruction efforts for courtroom purposes. 

Topics include:
•  Fundamentals of interior, exterior, and terminal ballistics
•  Projectile motion and linear modeling of bullet trajectories
•  Examination of bullet holes and determination of impact trajectory
•  Determination of direction and distance
•  Determination of likely locations of victim(s) and suspect(s)
•  Measuring methods and devices
•  Shot sequencing
•  Ricochet phenomena
•  Shell casing ejection patterns
•  Mathematical calculations
•  Importance of impact angles to horizontal planes
•  Computer modeling of parabolic trajectories
•  Evidence recovery methods
•  Documentation of crime scene reconstruction efforts with photographs, rough sketches, measurements and computer software
•  Gunshot residue analysis and range of fire
•  Gunshot wound dynamics

Audience:  Experienced investigators and crime scene technicians, seasoned detectives, investigations supervisors, medical examiner and coroner investigators, military investigative personnel

Course length:  40 hours