Crime Scene Photography, Crime Scene Investigator, Latent Print Examiner, CSI, Forensics, and Law Enforcement Job Listings for Mar./Apr. 2009

Has been moved to our sister site,
CSI:Crime Scene Investigator

This just in!

I have it from a reliable source that the June Field Evidence Technician Course offered by C.S.U.L.B. Center for Criminal Justice has a few openings for those who are not currently employed by a law enforcement agency. This may be your best chance at getting in on this highly rated course and give you some awesome training toward becoming a crime scene investigator.

Here is the info, enroll A.S.A.P.

Crime Scene Investigation Training Course Coming in June

The Field Evidence Technician Course from CA State University Long Beach is being offered again this June 8th through the 19th. F.E.T. is a comprehensive and excellent two week training course in all things related to Crime Scene Investigation.

This is a great opportunity to receive top-notch Crime Scene Investigation training from some of the best professionals working in the field.

Camera Gear

Canon announces new Speedlite flash

Canon announced today the addition of a new flash to their lineup, the Speedlite 270EX. The 270EX is a small, light flash unit that runs on two AA batteries. Canon boasts several features for the 270EX: a quick, 4 sec. recycle time, a flash head that can bounce up to 90 degrees, their quick-lock mechanism, and a metal mounting foot to name a few.

The 270EX is meant to replace the 220EX which sold for under $150.00. Although certainly less powerful and feature-packed then their 430EX and 580EX lines, the 270EX could be a relatively low-cost second or back-up flash for your field kit.

Gadget Bag

DIY: Rubber coated Speed-Strap for your Speedlite

There are many accessories that can be purchased or easily made to modify the light coming from your off-camera or on-camera strobe. The key to putting these accessories to work is the ability to quickly and easily attach them to your Speedlite. Two part self-adhesive hook and loop material will work, but some, yours truly included, don’t prefer to permanently mount the material to the strobe. The answer is an easy-to-use speed-strap that can be securely attached and removed as needed.

Here is a very simple, inexpensive way to create your own accessory speed-strap that is rubber coated to securely grip your strobe head and protect it’s finish as well.

Items you will need:

Hook and loop strap material – width is personal preference. ¾” to 2” will work well

Plasti Dip plastic coating material – found at hardware and tool stores

1” Foam paint applicator – found at paint and home improvement stores

Ruler

Masking tape

Paper

Naphtha thinner – found at paint and home improvement stores

Step-by-step:

Protect your work surface with paper. (this stuff can get messy)

Determine the length of hook and strap material for you strobe. I found 12” works well with Canon’s 580EX ll.

Tape off 3” of the hook (rough) side of the strap securing it to your covered surface. This allows an adequate surface for the loop side of the strap to attach to the hook side.

Mix the Plasti Dip material well and use the foam applicator to apply the material to the hook side of the strap.

Allow to dry, and apply a second coat. You can repeat this process, but I found two coats covered well.

Use the Naphtha to thin the rubber coating material as needed and for any clean-up.

After allowing it to completely dry, wrap your speed-strap around the head of you strobe. Attach self-adhesive hook material to your DIY or store bought light modifying accessories, and easily attach them to your strobe.

Never underestimate the power of your Crime Scene Photos

For those of you that have been photographing crime scenes and victims for some time now, they daily routine of crime scene photography may have slipped into the realm of well… routine.

It can be easy in this line of work to fall into a “get in, get your photos, and get out” kind of mentality. As a crime scene investigator you should never allow yourself to become too personally involved in your daily casework, but if you are not careful, real people can become just faceless victims.

Remember, the camera you hold in your hands can be a powerful tool. Our crime scene photographs can, and do, speak for the victims that cannot always speak for themselves. They are often used, as we are reminded here, as a key piece of evidence that determines if a suspect will go to jail for his crimes.

Crime Scene Investigation
Training Course Coming in June

The Field Evidence Technician Course from CA State University Long Beach is being offered again this June 8th through the 19th. F.E.T. is a comprehensive and excellent two week training course in all things related to Crime Scene Investigation.

This is a great opportunity to receive top-notch hands on Crime Scene Investigation training from some of the best professionals working in the field.

Once again, the web site states "This class is Restricted to Law Enforcement Employees Only", but they have been known to make exceptions if you have a recommendation from an active Peace Officer and there is room in the class. They also accept students from all over the world.

NEW! CSI:Crime Scene Investigator

Crime Scene Photography's new sister site has just been launched.

CSI:Crime Scene Investigator was created to encompass all aspects of becoming and working as a Crime Scene Investigator. Check it out soon for new posts.