The Rhode Island State Crime Laboratory has been diligent in providing training opportunities to the Forensic Science, Law Enforcement and Public Safety Communities. The training includes: crime scene processing, blood spatter interpretation, trace evidence collection, latent print processing, firearms examination and crime scene reconstruction. It is important to the criminal justice community that opportunities for professional development in these areas are continuously being offered by the Rhode Island State Crime Lab.
Latent Print Workshops
The Rhode Island State Crime Lab in conjunction with the Rhode Island Criminalistics Association and URI Special Programs is hosting two Forensic Science summer workshops. The two Forensic Science workshops were developed to provide additional educational opportunities for investigators. The Rhode Island State Crime Lab recognizes the need for courses that reintroduce the proper techniques for collection and preservation of evidence found at various types of crime scenes.
Workshop #1 – Basic Photography Workshop
Wednesday June 4th, 2025 8AM-4PM
This workshop will review basic photography techniques with several exercises. Followed by Close-up to include fingerprint and footwear techniques. This workshop is for the seasoned investigator or someone just learning. (25 students max)
Workshop #2 – Advanced Latent Print Enhancement and Documentation Techniques
Wednesday June 11th, 2025 8AM-4PM
The workshop will discuss latent print recovery issues while working in the field. Lectures will center on surface evaluation, recovery, and preservation skills with difficult latent prints. Attendees will conduct exercises to enhance their understanding of textured and contoured surfaces by implementing useful close-up photography techniques and utilizing multiple types of lifting medias (gel-lifts, stretchable tapes, rough lift tape, Reprocast, Mikrosil, etc.). The presentation will also discuss various ways to utilize gel lifts to non-destructively lift latent prints from gloves and prints that have been developed with cyanoacrylate as well as latent prints developed on porous surfaces using magnetic and conventional powders.
BCI School
Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences 101 – Criminal Investigation:
Scientific Evidence I – 4 credits
Theory and practice of crime scene investigation employing the modern techniques of crime scene preservation, crime scene search and the collection, preservation and transmission of physical evidence. Emphasis on photography, the development, lifting and classification of latent fingerprints and report writing.
Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences 102 – Criminal Investigation:
Scientific Evidence II – 4 credits
Specialized techniques of crime scene investigation including firearms, arson, sexual assault and homicide. Examination of physical evidence such as firearms, bloodstains, glass and other trace evidence. Use of digital photography, computer software, alternate light sources, fluorescent powders and other chemical fingerprint techniques. Fingerprint comparisons. Court presentation.