Schedule

EPIC Pre-Convention Classes

Forensic Imaging from Camera to Court

Friday – Saturday, January 14-15, 2011
9:00am-5:00pm
With David Knoerlin, CEP
Many classes teach law enforcement how to take digital images, but very few discuss what happens to those images after they are captured and how you can better manage them. Join David to learn the basic skills necessary to properly manage, process, present and archive digital images of evidential value, from the digital darkroom to the courtroom.

This two-day pre-convention course will explain every aspect of image management and processing with emphasis on the following topics:

Understanding image management databases
Chain of custody issues with digital images
Creating standard operating procedures for managing digital images
Image enhancement procedures and techniques
Preparing images for courtroom presentations
Testifying to digitally processed images in court (all students will be required to testify in a moot court simulation)
Archiving images for long-term storage and retrieval

Student Requirements
This mini workshop is a scaled-down version of David’s five-day, extensive image management and processing course for the Institute of Police Technology and Management in Jacksonville, FL, and many law enforcement agencies across the country. In order for students to obtain the most out of this course, it is imperative that you come prepared and meet the following basic requirements.

Each student must bring to class the following items:

Laptop computer and administrative permission to add software (If it is not already loaded on your computer, a trial version of Adobe® Photoshop® CS4 and Microsoft Office PowerPoint software will be provided.)
Mouse (wired or wireless) and power cable/cord for laptop (All of the Adobe Photoshop and other applications taught in this class require a mouse. The touch pad on a laptop is NOT sufficient.)
Notebook and writing materials
Proper attire for (realistic) moot courtroom testimony

Each student should have a basic knowledge of the following topics:

Evidence photography at crime scenes and in crime labs
Computer operational skills (comfortable navigating Microsoft Windows software)

Students will be given a thumb drive containing all of the course materials and exercises.

EPIC Regular Convention Classes

High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photography for Crime Scenes

Sunday, January 16, 2011
7:00am-10:30am
With King Brown, CEP & Dawn Watkins, CEP
Forensic photography has been evolving ever since the first forensic photograph was taken over 100 years ago. The evolution has continued from film photography to almost entirely digital photography. With this age of digital images, investigators now have an advantage: capturing forensic images and viewing them almost immediately. Now, the photographer can see if the image captured has the needed detail to make an excellent forensic image. With the use of computers and digital cameras, investigators also are able to adjust the overall tonal range of an image using High Dynamic Range (HDR) techniques. This allows you to better reproduce the full range of tones or brightness values seen by the human eye…meeting “one of the most fundamental challenges in photography.”

Join King and Dawn to delve into the use of HDR photography techniques for forensic investigations and for the preservation of evidence.

Integrity, Continuity & Presentation of Evidentiary Photography

Sunday, January 16, 2011
4:00pm-7:30pm
With Gary Green
One of the most neglected forms of communication in investigative fields is the power of visual language. It is important that forensic specialists documenting a scene understand the power of the image to substantiate facts in investigations. Not knowing how to visually document an incident can have serious repercussions in court proceedings or follow-up investigations. And with the advancement of technology, it is important to maintain the integrity of visual documentation to produce powerful visual narratives. Each day we are bombarded with images that are not a true representation of reality, due to enhancements and alterations in image editing programs. Many images that we perceive to be realistic representations of reality are, in fact, fictional in context.

This presentation workshop is designed to enhance the investigator’s knowledge of how to create powerful images, maintain integrity of visual evidence and present visual narratives. Not only can an image be a discourse of visual reality, but it also can convey information for experts in various forensic fields to interpret. Visual language is more than words—and Gary will help you understand and interpret it.

Coming Soon

Monday, January 17, 2011
8:00 am-5:00pm

Fundamentals of Forensic Digital Image Processing

Tuesday, January 18, 2011
8:00am-5:00pm
With David L. Witzke (“Ski”)
Join "Ski” for a workshop focused on the basic concepts and techniques for processing your digital images, including proper scaling (sizing) of digital images, preparing scaled (calibrated) contact sheets vs. non-scaled contact sheets and so on. With hands-on instruction in basic image processing techniques and a focus on the guidelines and best practices for digital image processing, he will build your existing knowledge up to new heights.

While these techniques are of tremendous value and aid in the identification of latent prints, they are also extremely useful in many other disciplines, including (but not limited to) questioned documents, ballistics, sexual assault examination, DNA gels and wherever image processing will aid in the analysis, comparison, evaluation and verification of digital images. For example, you’ll see how to scale digital images for accurate, life-size output and what “required” image processing guidelines are. You’ll learn how and when to apply different techniques to remove background noise and how to adjust tonal range and contrast to bring out detail that is barely visible to the human eye.

At the end of this workshop, you will have firsthand experience with vital digital imaging tips and techniques…and you’ll understand how digital imaging can aid your investigative and identification processes.

Certified Evidence Photographer Trianing

Thursday – Tuesday, January 13-18, 2011
8:00am-5:00pm
With Scott De Broux, CEP
EPIC’s Certified Evidence Photographer (CEP) program sets guidelines and standards—needed in this ever-changing industry—and provides this information through instruction. This in-depth, intensive education takes you through the steps necessary to become a better evidence photographer and pass the certification exam. From lecture to hands-on practice, Scott will help you improve your career skills and gain the knowledge to earn the certification that will become a part of your reputation.

EPIC’s education and certification provides and refines the essential qualities needed in a professional evidence photographer, especially those involved with crime scenes. Learn more about Certified Evidence Photographer program here: www.CertifiedPhotographer.com.