NCJTC Death Investigation Academy
This comprehensive five-day academy equips criminal justice professionals with advanced investigation methodologies for handling deaths from multiple origins. Participants will explore essential techniques including crime scene evaluation, suspect development, forensic evidence collection, and effective witness interviewing and interrogation strategies. The program emphasizes collaboration with critical resources such as crime laboratories and medical examiners, while fostering understanding of autopsy procedures and their investigative applications.
Training Dates and Schedule
December 7-11, 2026
Classes meet from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM each day, with a one-hour lunch break daily. Registration deadline is November 2, 2026.
Location
Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, South Precinct
9901 24th Pl W
Eveett, WA 98204
Cost and Hours
The registration fee of $650.00 covers 40 hours of instruction, program materials, and instructional costs. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for meals, transportation, and lodging separately.
Who Should Attend
This academy is designed for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, forensic service units, and coroners and medical examiners seeking to enhance their death investigation capabilities.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing this academy, participants will be able to:
- Apply new coordination and investigation techniques to death cases
- Distinguish between various types of deaths and adapt investigation approaches accordingly
- Employ advanced interview and interrogation tactics
- Develop effective strategies for collaborating with medical examiners during investigations
Course Topics
The five-day curriculum covers scene management and case documentation, forensic science services, interview and interrogation techniques, drug-related death investigations, digital evidence, suicide and equivocal death classification, infant and child death cases, crime scene analysis, suspect development, major case management, cold case investigations, courtroom preparation, and investigative genetic genealogy.
Instructors
James Holmes - Special Agent (Retired), Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation. Licensed law enforcement officer in Wisconsin since 1995 with extensive experience in major crimes, homicide investigations, officer-involved critical incidents, and cold case work.
Matt Bell - Lieutenant, Milwaukee Police Department and Criminal Investigation Bureau Homicide Unit. Holds degrees in Criminal Justice and has extensive expertise in crime scene processing, interviewing, interrogation, and death investigations, with over 15 years of teaching experience.
Patrick Eller - Associate, National Criminal Justice Training Center.
Lodging Options
Recommended accommodations near the training venue include:
- Hilton Garden Inn Seattle North/Everett, Mukilteo, WA
- Hotel Indigo Seattle Everett Waterfront, Everett, WA
- TownePlace Suites Seattle Everett/Mukilteo, Mukilteo, WA
- Tulalip Resort Casino, Tulalip, WA
For more information regarding continuing education credits, please consult the NCJTC policies page.