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Forensic Mapping System (FMS) Training
What IS a so-called “forensic mapping system” and what is it meant to portray?
The training aspect itself has been described by most as the “..most important aspect of Forensic Mapping” process, which is to say having a basic understanding of, as mentioned above, a) total station technology, b) electronic field collection methods, c) the use of a Prism*, d) CAD software skills and their application for documenting Crash & Crime scenes in the ‘real-world-scale’, in terms easy enough for an otherwise very-busy-investigator to reasonably absorb, comprehend, understand and articulate to others or in a Court setting, if necessary.
Whew! That’s a mouthful! However, over the past 13-14 years the otherwise intimidating total station technology & process has been very easily understood by most, which is very evident in the many successful prosecutions where to-scale diagrams, created from using the Forensic Mapping System (FMS), has aided in many, many local and high-profile forensic investigations. J
The FMS training we provide is narrowly focused, highly specialized, topic specific for the make/model of Instrument (total station), data collector (evidence recorder) and accompanying software.
Our FMS training typically begins in a classroom setting where the above subjects are covered.
A “Skills Handbook of Forensic Mapping” is provided each attendee. Contained within are a treasure-trove of new techniques and skills offered by some of the most experienced FM Specialists in the USA and abroad!
Our “workbook” is an important tool of the FMS process itself (and a work in progress), providing the user with a handy reference-guide and useful source for hints, tips, and short-cuts for CAD software application in your final scene creation. It also contains a handy log for documenting your scene experiences and provides a ready source to prove your ‘experience as a forensic mapping specialist.’
Of a regularly scheduled 40-hr. training period, a great percentage is spent with HANDS-ON practice sessions.
We have tailored our training curriculum to the needs of your agency or practice- Inside or out-door scene forensic investigations such as: an intersection, a public park, a wooded area, a railroad crossing, a parking ramp, an on-off expressway ramp, a building-face(vertical scene), a backyard swimming pool, a canal, a coal, gold or salt mine(below surface), a stone quarry, a mass grave, or a death scene extending over several miles or block area ~ nearly all types of possible scenes are practiced, discussed, pondered, and/or practiced during a training session.
A necessary part of the overall scene practice needless to say includes the FMS component: the data collector (evidence recorder) see here:
GPS: Several of the devices containing the EvR (evidence recorder) software are expandable and a GPS (global positioning system) module can be purchased and used. The currently available TDS RECON is one of the devices that can easily be outfitted with GPS that would, depending on the overhead constellation and existing environmental conditions, place a particular location to within a suitable radius from the piece of evidence.
The main ingredient for initial training includes: principles behind canvassing scene to determine nature of crime, proper position of RP (total station location), leveling Instrument, 0Setting Instrument towards a northerly direction (usually), configuring EvR for scene operation, fulfilling the ‘reference measurement (RM) protocol’ high recommendation, documenting all relevant 2D/3D facts from scene, assuring all facts, marks, prints, etc. documented, retaking final RM, and SYNC procedures with CAD software.
Grave site investigation. Off. Diez, MPD & Andy Silins, Miami-Dade
To earn a Forensic Mapping Specialist certificate, one must attend at least 95%* of classroom/practice exercises, participate as necessary in daily review sessions, and complete satisfactorily all workbook/handbook exercises.
Contact us at either our office-voice phone/fax: 231.737.5068, our email address: mapscenes@aol.com or by mail to: Mick Capman J, MJC & Associates, Inc., 4929 Wilfred Street, Muskegon, MI 49444 (or P.O. Box 403, Fruitport, MI 49415).
Just call, email or write for your copy of the recommended Lesson Plan for the 40-hr. manufacturer certified class. Requested classroom aids are: VCR & monitor, overhead projector, and either a black/white board or pad.
The course and Instructor (Mick Capman) are certified by Sokkia Corporation (letter from 1993), Leica, VistaFX software company, and MicroSurvey software Company. The course also has met the guidelines for law enforcement training, and we are a current member of, the American Society for Law Enforcement Trainers.
Contact us at the above location for reasonable course fee quote.
We have testified in local, circuit and federal courts regarding all aspects of the Forensic Mapping System as it relates to crash & crime scene investigation and reconstruction.
If we can aid you in any fashion with this experience, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We also can provide a yearly re-certification or Continuing Studies Series which brings up-to-date skills/techniques to the end user, generally over a period of 3* days.
The Instructor(s) reserve the right to add to or condense the Lesson Plan as necessary to provide easier and more comprehensive training.
* call for specific details
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