​Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy
A Nationally Accredited Law Enforcement Training Academy
Basic Crime Scene Photography
Course length
40 Hours
About the course
The course includes practical learning activities which attempt to duplicate real life conditions and circumstances. Some of the training objectives require evening/night lighting. The low light photo techniques and practicals require nighttime conditions.
Wednesday and Thursday both have evening/night hours so child care issues need to be considered. (They are normally 1300-2130).
The course is designed for individuals assigned to photograph and document physical evidence and crime scenes. Participants will develop a basic understanding of camera equipment and photographic techniques as they relate to crime scene and evidence documentation.
Students are required to bring the following agency equipment with them to class:
- 1 SLR Camera (digital only) with 35-80 mm zoom lens or better {NO POINT AND SHOOT CAMERAS ALLOWED).
- A telephoto lens is optional, but they do not replace the required 35-80 lens listed above.
- Close Up Rings or Macro Lens is recommended.
- Extra camera batteries and charger.
- UV (haze) or 1A (skylight) & Polarizing filter.
- Electronic Flash with at least a 120 guide number that is compatible with your camera.
- 3 foot PC cord to enable to flash to be used off shoe. Tripod and Tripod head.
- Locking shutter release cable or electronic shutter release remote. If neither is available, the camera must have a delayed 10-second shutter release feature.
- 2 Digital media cards (1G storage minimum).
8 AA batteries or replacement batteries for the electronic flash.
- Bring a FLASHLIGHT for the night practicals
Special Note: This is a Digital Camera Course, no film cameras are allowed.
Due to time constraints with the practical exercises, there is absolutely no sharing of equipment between students while attending this class or while completing the practical exercises. Each student must bring the required equipment for their individual use.
Lead Instructors: MPO Tara Crider and Bridget Meyer, Arlington County PD, tcrider@arlingtonva.us & Bmeyer@arlingtonva.us