The H.E.A.T. Project

The Fundamentals of Homicide Investigation       

This 5-day seminar will offer comprehensive information regarding the art and science of homicide and violent crime investigation.  Human behavior, scientific and technological applications, legal requirements, and investigative principles make up the complex operation of homicide investigation. The following 10 components will be discussed to include case examples taken from actual murder and violent crime cases.  

THE HUMAN ELEMENT INCLUDES:

Victim Analysis—Emphasis is placed on complete and thorough victim background investigations.  A comprehensive victim profile packet is provided. 

Witness Relations—A discussion of methods which enhance the credibility of witnesses while using foresight to predict future problems during the legal process.   

Offender Relations—Includes investigative and legal aspects pertaining to contact with a murder suspect;  issues encountered during interviews and statements; identifying the motivation behind untruthfulness and ways to redirect that motivation toward truth.   

Motive—Various motivations  are covered and how different motives  determine the investigative approach.  

THE SCIENTIFIC ELEMENT

Crime Scene— Crime scene management and protection, evidence identification, and evidence value are presented from an investigator’s perspective.   

Cause of Death— Includes cases and photographs depicting various traumatic injuries and post-mortem conditions; the role of the Medical Examiner’s Office; interpreting autopsy reports and medical terminology.  

THE LEGAL ELEMENT

Legal Aspects and Considerations– Extensive case law is incorporated into relevant components. Search and arrest warrants; warrant exceptions; the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendments.

Court Strategies/Prosecutorial Relations— Incorporating all of the aforementioned components together in order to present the most effective argument in trial.   It will also demonstrate the need to identify and counter defense strategies early in the investigation.  

THE INFORMATION ELEMENT

Information Sources—Numerous investigative sources and search engines relevant to criminal investigations will be provided.

Media Strategy—Examines the importance of an effective working relationship with the news media while maintaining the integrity of your case. 

Cold case investigations– In addition to the ten components of homicide investigation, a cold case section will cover the organization and approach to unsolved homicide cases, both collectively and individually. 

The final two days of the seminar will consist of a homicide case practicum, at which time the participant will be exposed to an actual case investigation. 

 

This will include a crime scene that must be processed for evidence, victim information, videotaped witness statements, evidence reports, an autopsy report, search and arrest warrant opportunities, photo lineups, and other documents related to the investigation.  The objective is to work through the crime scene and follow up information provided in order to identify the offender.  While doing so, the investigator may encounter difficulties, both from investigative and legal standpoints. FLEXIBILITY IN SCHEDULE IS REQUIRED ON THURSDAY AS EACH PARTICIPANT WILL BE WORKING IN SMALL GROUPS WHICH WILL REQUIRE VARIED START AND FINISH TIMES.

This course presents an opportunity for professional investigators to consider all aspects of violent crime investigation in one five day seminar. 

36 Hours of TCLEOSE Credit

Huntsville

Fort Worth

Lubbock

Corpus Christi