Introduction

This online course is being offered as an insight into the basic principles and theories of shooting reconstruction. Shooting reconstruction, as defined by Edward E. Hueske, is the "development of a likely or probable sequence of events in a shooting incident." It is a task performed on the basis of scientific principles, using the analysis of physical evidence and witness statements as an attempt to theorize the possible sequence of events. Through a process of elimination, incident reconstruction will present answers as to which possible events did not occur, ultimately leading to the true sequence of events.

Background
This course has been designed to give students information about evaluating, interpreting, and reconstructing a shooting scene. The units within this course will cover a general overview of firearms/ammunition and their components, bullet path reconstruction theories and techniques, cartridge case ejection patterns, evidence collection, and firearm/ammunition testing, as well as gunshot wound examination. The course will also discuss the analysis of a shooting scene, and the appropriate mathematical equations to include within the analysis. West Virginia University Extended Learning and WVU's Forensic Science Initiative presents these materials and this course to you online.

Objectives

Course Goal
The goal of this course is to give each student an overview of shooting reconstruction providing the basics and encouraging the student to learn more.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Differentiate between different categories of projectile impact
• Calculate the angle of impact from an impact site
• Describe how vehicle windows and windshields react to bullet impact
• Discuss the variable conditions of ejection pattern tests
• Describe the different analytic methods used for GSR
• Understand the holistic approach to shooting reconstruction
• Recognize the distinguishing characteristics of different ranges of gunshot wounds
• Discuss the factors affecting the appearance of gunshot wounds

Overview

Course Structure and Schedule
This is a non-credit course offered for 2.52 ILU's. Average completion time for the course is 20 hours. The instructor should be notified if an extension is required. The course cost is $199 per registration, and a certificate for course completion will be issued to the student. Public laboratory employees are funded by NIJ Award 2001-RC-CX-K003 and 2003-RC-CX-K001.

Overview/Subject Matter
Topics covered in this course are:

• The Principles of Shooting Reconstruction
• An Overview of Firearms and Ballistics
• Ammunition
• Mathematics
• Bullet Holes and Impact Sites
• Bullet Path Reconstruction
• Shooting Incidents Involving Motor Vehicles
• Cartridge Case Ejection Patterns
• Gunshot Residue and Other Trace Evidence
• Shooting Scene Analysis
• Evidence Collection
• Firearm and Ammunition Testing
• Gunshot Wounds
• Shooting Reconstruction in Court

Requirements

Prerequisite(s)
No prerequisites or course materials are required for the course.

Computer Requirements

• internet Explorer
• Adobe Reader
• QuickTime Player
• Macromedia Flash Player
• Java Version

(Free software plug-ins are available in the Getting Started area of the course.)

Basic computer skills required (i.e. turning on your computer, navigating to websites, etc.) The course is user-friendly but support is available if needed.

Materials
All required readings are provided in PDF format. There is no required text.

To Register

Public laboratory employees are funded by NIJ Award 2001-RC-CX-K003 and 2003-RC-CX-K001. Please fill out the Supervisor Approval Form and fax or mail it. No other form is required to register. Students that submit a Supervisor Approval Form will receive registration confirmation by email showing a charge of $177. Please disregard this charge if you are a public laboratory employee funded by the NIJ Award. When WVU Extended Learning receives the Supervisor Approval Form, you will receive class access information by email within 5 business days.

Others: Register online through our secure server or fill out this form and fax or mail it to Extended Learning. You will be given class access by email within five working days. Call 1-800-2Learn2, or email WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu if you have any questions. Major credit cards and electronic checks are accepted. For all students: A $30 processing fee will be charged to the Department for any student that does not access or finish the class in the time allotted. Others: All requests for cancellations/refunds must be in writing. Requests must be made within one week from when the class access information was emailed to the student. Mail to: WVU Extended Learning, P.O. Box 6800, Morgantown, WV, 26506 or email to WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu

Refund Policy

For all students: A $30 processing fee will be charged to the Department for any student that does not access or finish the class in the time allotted.

Others: All requests for cancellations/refunds must be in writing. Requests must be made within one week from when the class access information was emailed to the student. Mail to: WVU Extended Learning, P.O. Box 6800, Morgantown, WV, 26506 or email to WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu

FAQs

Q: Do I need to have access to any equipment to take this course?No, the course is designed to give students visuals and graphics to further illustrate key points throughout the content. Q: Do I qualify for NIJ funding?If you are in any type of forensic public sector, you qualify. NIJ provides funds so that forensic scientists, law enforcement, crime scene personnel, and related professionals can receive proper training. The exceptions are individuals working in the private sector, federally funded employees, and individuals working in academia.
Q: Is there a required text?No, however there is a bibliography within the course that provides citations for sources used within the content. For further reading and learning, these references may be of use.
Q: Do I need to be technically savvy?As long as you have basic computer skills (i.e. turning on your computer, navigating to websites, etc) you will be fine. The course is user-friendly but support is available if needed.
Q: How long will it take for me to complete the course?On average, the course can be completed in approximately 28 hours. Students work at their own pace and convenience and may work as much or as little as they would like during each session. The student has until the end of the semester to complete the course, although extensions may be granted upon request.
Q: What level is this course geared toward?This course is an introductory level overview. It is a useful tool for anyone who would like to learn more about forensic photography or refresh their knowledge of the subject.
Q: Who should I contact for more information? Instructor: Dade Chisler at dade.chisler@mail.wvu.edu or (304) 293-8533