Criminal Investigation Fundamentals

This comprehensive 24-hour course equips law enforcement personnel with essential knowledge and practical skills for conducting criminal investigations across all severity levels. Participants will gain expertise in managing investigations from initial scene response through final courtroom proceedings.

Course Overview

The training covers investigative methodologies applicable to both property-related offenses and violent crimes targeting individuals. Attendees will develop proficiency in locating, recognizing, and properly documenting physical evidence to support investigative conclusions. The course emphasizes effective communication techniques for questioning witnesses, victims, and suspects, while introducing participants to valuable investigative resources and information networks.

Upon completion, participants will be prepared to perform fundamental investigative tasks and establish a foundation for pursuing specialized investigation training in the future.

Topics Covered

• Core investigative responsibilities and duties
• Case assignment and workload administration
• Physical evidence identification and handling
• Witness and suspect interviewing strategies
• Confidential source development and management
• Property crime investigation: burglary, financial crimes, and organized retail theft
• Crimes against persons: sexual offenses, robbery, and death investigation
• DNA analysis and social media utilization
• Digital evidence collection: mobile devices, cellular location data, geofencing, wireless data recovery
• Case documentation and reporting procedures
• Intelligence gathering and dissemination

Intended Audience

This course is designed for patrol personnel, newly promoted detectives, veteran detectives, investigations management, crime scene specialists, medical examiner and coroner staff, military investigators, and civilian law enforcement support personnel requiring effective collaboration with sworn officers. Enrollment is restricted to active law enforcement and medical examiner personnel, both sworn and non-sworn.

Course Details

Duration: 24 hours

Schedule: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily

Tuition: $695.00

Instructor: John Cullen

Scheduled Sessions

Session 1: October 19-21, 2026 | Jacksonville, Florida
Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224

Session 2: February 8-10, 2027 | Altamonte Springs, Florida
Altamonte Springs Police Department Training Room, 225 Newburyport Avenue, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

Session 3: April 5-7, 2027 | Jacksonville, Florida
Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224

Session 4: October 18-20, 2027 | Jacksonville, Florida
Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224