DNA and Fingerprints: Evidence & Identification

Learn how DNA and fingerprint evidence is found, documented, and evaluated from a private investigator perspective - what it can reveal, what to watch for in reports, and what investigators should realistically expect from official testing and comparisons.

1.5 CE HR(S)

Accepted for CE in: AL, GA, IA, IL, KS, KY, MO, MN, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX

Presented By:

Dean Beers

$49.00

SKU: 97106 Categories: Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas

About this Course

Course Description:

DNA and fingerprint evidence appear in criminal and civil cases, yet many are asked to evaluate, question, or rely on this evidence without ever being taught what it really means.

Understand the real meaning behind DNA and fingerprint evidence without needing a forensic science degree. We will break down what these forms of evidence can and can’t prove and shows investigators how to confidently interpret, question, and apply them in real-world casework.

Learn how DNA is collected, tested, and matched, and explore the history and limitations of both DNA and fingerprint analysis. You’ll review best practices for reports, lab work, and chain of custody, plus how to spot red flags and avoid common errors.

Whether you’re working a criminal defense or civil case, this course gives you the practical tools to make sense of forensic evidence and use it effectively in your investigations.

Course Objectives

Identify and define DNA evidence
List and describe examples of DNA testing
Comprehend theories and DNA history
Identify methods used in DNA collection and storage
Explain DNA fingerprinting
Identify DNA precautions
Understand the history and development of fingerprints
Analyze comparisons

Course Outline

Introduction
Lesson 1: What is DNA Evidence?
Lesson 2: DNA Collection & Storage
Lesson 3: DNA Fingerprinting
Lesson 4: Precautions
Lesson 5: Fingerprints & History
Lesson 6: Developing Fingerprints
Lesson 7: Comparisons
Assessment/Quiz

Course Materials

1.5 hours of on-demand video lecture with practical and engaging content
Content authored by experts in their field
Downloadable/Printable Materials: Slide Deck/Handout
Quiz/assessment (unlimited attempts)
Certificate of completion
Online access for 6 months from the date of purchase

1.5 CE HR(S)

Accepted for CE Credit in:

AL, GA, IA, IL, KS, KY, MO, MN, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX

GA Training Instructor License No: CLTR001024 (duly licensed and facilitated by the Director of Instruction, Thomas H. Humphreys)
MN Board Course Approval No.: CPD – 465
MO Board Course Approval No.: 00132
NC PPSB Course Approval No.: PPSB-22-030
OK CLEET Course Catalog No.: 22-1834
TN Course Approval No.: 2601.03
TX PI CE School License No: Y00170 (d/b/a PIEDUCATION.COM)

North Carolina disclaimer: A maximum of 6 CE hours may be obtained from online, asynchronous courses per renewal period.

Required Oklahoma CLEET Disclaimer: This class has been cataloged by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training for 1.5 hours of mandatory continuing education credit. Regarding any law enforcement concepts, practices, methods, techniques, products, or devices as might be taught, promoted, or otherwise espoused in outside schools or seminars, there is no intent, expressed or implied, that listing the course in the CLEET Course Catalog indicates or in any way conveys ‘CLEET approval’ of such concepts, practices, methods, techniques, products, or devices, unless such approval is explicitly stated by CLEET.

Course Format: This is an online, on-demand course with no scheduled login times. Participation and time spent are tracked through the learning platform, and active engagement is required for completion. Questions may be submitted by email.

Intermediate Level: Designed for investigators with some prior experience, this course builds on existing knowledge and serves as a practical refresher for those already working in this area.

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TX CE School License No.: Y00170

GA Classroom Instructor License No.: CLTR001024