Law Enforcement Training
Crime Scene Specialist
This course is geared towards any law enforcement individual who goes to crime scenes.
There is a Basic and Advanced Course.
DNA Technology
This training is being offered to all Utah law enforcement agencies, as well as legal professionals, to
- introduce the basic concepts of DNA,
- the expectations and limitations of DNA testing,
- advancements in technology (including YSTR testing and probabilistic genotyping with STRmixTM),
- understanding our reports and statistics,
- and the application/ impact of DNA testing on forensic casework.
The goal of this course is to provide a better understanding of DNA, our testing capabilities, and advanced DNA testing options offered at other laboratories and to establish a better working relationship and dialogue between local agencies, attorneys, and analysts at the Utah State Crime Laboratory.
If you have questions or would like to set up a training, please contact:
Rebekah Kay – 801-957-8602 ([email protected])
Evidence Packaging
This one-day course focuses on the various types of evidence encountered and its proper packaging. The class utilizes lectures and hands-on demonstrations to teach the correct ways to package evidence that will be submitted to the crime lab. All law enforcement personnel who come in contact with evidence are encouraged to take this course. To schedule a course for your agency or to find out more information, please contact us at 801-965-4547
Marijuana Leaf Technician
As of January 2006, the state lab does not accept marijuana cases due to the sheer volume and the backlog in controlled substances cases. As a result, the Marijuana Leaf Technician Program began in 2005 and has certified over 200 individuals with over 100 currently certified analysts. This is a 4-day course in which the students will learn how to identify marijuana based on macroscopic, microscopic and chemical tests, quality control, note taking, and report writing. For more information about this class contact:
Bryan Holden – [email protected]
Field Investigation Drug Officer (FIDO)
Along with the marijuana technician program, we offer individuals the chance to become a certified FIDO technician. This is a one-day course in which the student will learn how to presumptively identify methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. The presumptive identification is done through chemical tests. There are currently over 100 certified FIDO analysts in the state of Utah. If you have any questions regarding the FIDO program contact:
Bryan Holden – [email protected]
Sexual Assault Kit Tracking
The presentation linked below provides information on the tracking system.
Request training for your agency by contacting the SAKT Program Administrator, Megan Phillips at 801-964-4547; [email protected] or contact the SAKT Helpline at 801-895- 2338
Shooting Scene Reconstruction Training
Our Firearm and Tool Mark Section teaches a 3-day Introduction to Firearms and Shooting Scene Reconstruction class that helps agencies helps agencies understand how to approach a shooting scene and what can be helpful in reconstructions. The class includes the following topics:
- Introduction to firearms examinations and what the UBFS Firearm and Tool Mark Section can do for you
- Hands-on familiarity with various firearms and ammunition
- Bullet impacts, ricochets, and trajectories
- Live demonstrations of shotgun projectile dispersions
- Live demonstrations using vehicles to examine differences between calibers, gauge, projectile style, direct impacts, ricochets, etc.
Please contact Justin Bechaver at [email protected] for more information