Scene investigations are crucial in death and serious injury cases, but are often incomplete or rely too heavily on official reports. This course offers a practical introduction to scene investigations from the perspective of the legal investigator in civil and criminal defense.

With case studies, including motor vehicle collisions, the course explains why scene investigations matter, what to look for, and how perspective, timing, and environment shape available evidence.  Your instructor will emphasize the importance of firsthand observation and critical thinking. You’ll be encouraged to move beyond assumptions by confirming, corroborating, or challenging information through systematic scene analysis. Particular attention is given to temporal changes, including lighting, weather, traffic, and physical alterations, and their impact on investigative outcomes.

By the end of the course, we hope you will better understand how to conduct thorough scene investigations in death and serious injury cases, thereby improving your ability to gather facts, assess evidence, and support legal investigations.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:

• Identify why scene investigations are important to legal investigations.
• Employ methods to identify scene variables, witnesses, involved persons.
• Conduct canvasses and interviews
• Distinguish environmental conditions and other special circumstances
• Analyze points and perspectives to consider while working on-scene investigations.

Course Outline

Introduction

Lesson 1: Why Scene Investigations?
Lesson 2: What to Look for and Why
Lesson 3: Key Points to Consider
Lesson 4: Points and Perspectives to Ponder
Quiz/Assessment
Supporting Downloadable/Printable Materials: Slide Deck/Handout