On Friday, November 18, Investigator Adam Nicholson graduated from the One Hundred and Seventh Session of the Virginia Forensic Science Academy conducted by the Department of Forensic Science. The Academy has as its objective the advanced training of qualified crime scene search officers.

The Virginia Forensic Science Academy is only available to sworn and civilian personnel of criminal justice agencies within the Commonwealth of Virginia whose duties include the collection of physical evidence. The Academy is designed to give these personnel the necessary training to enable them to fully utilize the expertise of the Department of Forensic Science (DFS).

The nine-week Academy provides classroom instruction by qualified forensic experts and numerous practical exercises and evidence collection demonstrations. While attending classes Investigator Nicholson experienced simulated crime scenes and was critiqued and tested on the techniques used in physical evidence documentation and recovery.

Areas of study included the following: photography, crime scene investigation, arson evidence, toxicology, forensic biology, latent print evidence, trace evidence, toolmarks, firearms evidence and bullet trajectory, crime scene sketching, evidence law, drug recognition, impression evidence and criminal investigative analysis.

The course provided students with the necessary background information and practical application techniques which, when coupled with the student’s previous experience, permit maximum utilization of forensic science in the apprehension and prosecution of criminals in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In addition, the Department’s Forensic Training Section provides the graduate with many opportunities for continuing their training through courses that are offered. The Alumni Association also provides a unique organizational body which fosters the advancement of forensic science and professional crime scene investigations.