The Forensic and Crime Science Department at Staffordshire University are proud to announce that they will be running two short courses in August 2014, available for Forensic Scientists, Police Officers, graduates or students undertaking science related degrees, or individuals with a particular interest in these areas.  These courses are in the area of Wildlife Crime and Underwater CSI, and are back by popular demand.

Wildlife Crime includes a wide range of offences including animal cruelty, unlawful killing of animals, illegally importing protected species, unlawful hunting and poaching, and unlawful trading in endangered species. This course will offer an introduction to the role of a Wildlife Crime Officer, the types of offences most commonly investigated in the UK, and the types of evidence that can be used to investigate Wildlife Crime.  This course involves exciting, interactive workshops with staff that have expertise across the field of Wildlife Crime, and practical activities such as recovering and examining animal evidence from a mock crime scene activity and presenting evidence in a mock courtroom.  A wide range of Wildlife Crimes will be examined, including badger baiting, dog fighting, stealing bird eggs and illegally smuggling and trading in wild animals and protected species. When previous course attendees were asked what the most enjoyable aspects of the course were, their responses included the biological evidence analysis, the veterinary perspective on wildlife crime, the information on animal welfare and cruelty, the engaging staff and the outside mock crime scene practical.

The Underwater short course allows people involved in forensic science – whether currently a HE student, a graduate, an academic or a practitioner – to learn about the role of a police diver and the analysis of underwater crime scenes. Whether you are interested in diving, crime scene analysis or just want to experience a new area of forensic science, this course will provide you with hands-on activities, interesting lectures and the chance to analyse a mock crime scene in a safe and friendly environment.  The course will introduce the fundamental principles of underwater crime scene investigation, including underwater crime scene documentation and the role of a police diver.  It will also give you an introduction to the analysis of underwater crime scenes, including communication systems, searching methods, evidence recovery and fingerprint enhancement on wet surfaces.  When previous course attendees were asked what aspects of the course they most enjoyed, their responses included the chance to talk to professionals, such as a Police Diver, the motivation and enthusiasm of the staff, the theory behind the physiology of drowning, the diversity of the subjects covered and the practical session’s based both in the lab and in open water.

If you would like more information about either of these courses please contact the course leaders, Laura Walton-Williams (l.m.walton@staffs.ac.uk) or Claire Gwinnett (c.gwinnett@staffs.ac.uk).