Class Location:
California Criminalistics Institute / Sacramento or Los Angeles
Class Description:
This one-week (40 hour) course will provide students with a basic understanding of the chemistry and effects of common low explosives and pyrotechnics found in criminal cases. Students will be taught an analytical scheme to detect and identify traces of these explosives and their reaction products in post-explosion debris. Laboratory exercises will emphasize microscopic techniques. This course is intended for criminalists and forensic scientists employed in law enforcement agencies who have responsibility for the analysis of suspected explosive materials or related debris. Each class is limited to 15 students. This course is POST reimbursable, Plan IV.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures, demonstrations, and practical laboratory exercises.
Objectives:
Students will be required to complete a series of practical exercises involving known and unknown explosives and their residues to the satisfaction of the instructors and to pass a written test.
Prerequisites:
Basic understanding of inorganic chemistry and common instrumental methods of analysis. Proficiency with polarized light microscopy.
Preparation:
Pre-course reading material may be offered.
Materials Fee:
A $50.00 materials fee will be charged to all non-BFS students. This charge is due at the beginning of class. Make checks payable to the California Department of Justice.
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.
