Class Code:
M204
Subject Area:
- M - Microscopy and Trace Program
Class Location:
California Criminalistics Institute / Sacramento
Class Description:
This one-week (40 hour) course will provide students with an understanding of forensic paint analysis. The class will cover the composition of paints, modes of film formation, the composition of paints as related to their end-use applications (automotive, architectural, motorcycles, bicycles, maintenance, marine and aircraft), stereomicroscopic and instrumental methods of identification and comparison, and evaluation of paint evidence as it relates to no-suspect hit-and-run investigations and cases involving detailed coatings comparisons. The course is intended for criminalists whose assignments include the examination of paint evidence. Detailed instruction and practical exercises in the classification of paint binders and evaluation of their end-use implications will make the course profitable for both experienced and novice forensic paint examiners. Each class is limited to 12 students. This course is POST reimbursable, Plan IV.
Teaching Methods:
Classroom lectures, overhead transparencies, video recordings,and practical workshops in IR micro-spectroscopic classification of paint binders, stereo-microscopic and limited microchemical characterization of automotive paint samples, IR microspectroscopic analysis (including binder classification) of characterized paint samples, and SEM/EDX analysis of characterized paint samples.
Objectives:
Students will be required to demonstrate their proficiency in practical and written tests.
Prerequisites:
Students should have some previous experience in the manipulation oftrace evidence and be familiar with the basic principles of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography (PGC), and Scanning Electron Microscopy in conjunction with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (SEM/EDX).
Preparation:
Reading on prerequisite topics if necessary.
Tuition:
No cost to POST supported or State of California based Law Enforcement agencies. A $600.00 tuition fee will be required of all other public agency, private sector, or out-of-state applicants.
Course Contact:
- CCI (916) 464-0600, FAX (916) 464-5818
