Introduction

This online course is being offered as an introductory level course to the basic principles of forensic photography.  Throughout the course, there will be an emphasis on the importance of photography and how it is used as a way to document, preserve, and identify evidence.  Before entering a crime scene a forensic photographer should know what to look for and how to capture it.  Through photographic methods and techniques, the photographer must also concentrate on creating an accurate portrayal of the scene as it is perceived.

Background
This course has been designed to give students a basic introduction to forensic photography. The units within this course will cover a brief history of photography, a thorough understanding of the principles behind photography, and the techniques used for photographing certain types of crime scenes and evidence. The course will also discuss the use of video documentation and the standards upon which forensic photography is based.  West Virginia University Extended Learning and WVU’s Forensic Science Initiative presents these learning materials and this course to you on-line.

Objectives

Course Goal
The goal of this course is to give each student a general introductory background in the basics of forensic photography by learning new skills and improving old ones.

Course Objectives
By completing this course, the student will learn:

• The history of photography, along with the basic use of camera equipment and accessories.
• How to document crime scenes and evidence.
• An overview of digital photography, along with the use of video cameras as a supplementary method of documenting a crime scene.
• The fundamentals behind the admissibility of photographs and digital images in the courtroom.

Overview

Course Structure and Schedule
This is a non-credit course offering 3.3 ILUs.  Average completion time for the course is 28 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. A $30 processing fee will be charged to the Individual for any student that doesn't access or finish the class in the time alloted.   See below on how to register.

Overview/Subject Matter
Topics covered in this course are:

• History of Photography
• Crime Scene Photography Equipment
• The Fundamentals of Crime Scene Photography
• Technique
• Photographing Crime Scenes
• Items of Evidence
• Digital Photography
• Video Cameras and Camcorders
• Photographs in the Courtroom
• The Future of Photography

Requirements

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

Computer Requirements

• Internet Explorer
• Adobe Acrobat
• QuickTime Player
• Macromedia Flash Player
• Java version Version 5.0 Update 7

(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.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to have access to a camera to take this course?Yes, the course contains an assignment that requires you to take photographs that are submitted and graded.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:  Jess Boyle, at Jess.Boyle@mail.wvu.edu or (304) 293-5182

Registration Information

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 From will receive registration confirmation by email showing a charge of $199. 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. If you are not notified, please contact WVU Extended Learning at (800) 253-2762 or (304) 293-7570.

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.

Refund Policy

For all students: A $30 processing fee will be charged to the individual 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

More Course Information

Contact
Forensic Science Initiative at fsi@mail.wvu.edu or (304) 293-6214.