Course overview

For CSI’s and Detectives to analyze a shooting incident scene effectively, they need skills in recognizing and documenting the physical characteristics associated with firearms and projectiles. This 32 hour course prepares students to handle large scale shooting scenes by building skills in firearms evidence recognition, documentation and analysis.

special hosting requirements

Hosting this course requires the host agency to allow access a safe gun range during class. The host agency must also be willing to provide vehicles and various other objects to be shot prior to and during the course. Who shoots the objects can be determined by the host agency. Typically agencies opt to have a range master present for this course. In this case, the range master may attend the course at no cost. All ammo needed for the course is provided by Forza Forensics, LLC.

At no time will students (other than designated range masters) be permitted to shoot during this course.

Day One.

Day one begins with a review of firearms terminology, mechanisms and firearms safety. The day continues with lessons on how to properly document a shooting scene and its related evidence.

  • Firearms safety

  • Terminology

  • Modern firearms operating systems

  • Photography & diagramming a shooting scene

  • Trajectory measurements

  • Shot directionality

Day Two.

Day two teaches students how to evaluate the way projectiles interact with various surfaces. Students also learn how different chemical tests aide in a shooting scene investigation.

  • Yielding vs. unyielding surfaces

  • Ricochet

  • Glass, sheet metal & tires

  • Ejection patterns

  • Gun shot residue & chemical testing

Day Three.

Day three is “range day” where instructors demonstrate many of the principles discussed in days one and two. Students observe and analyze shots in vehicles and tires as well as ricochet shots. Chemical tests are also performed.

  • Known angle & measurements

  • Vehicle glass & tires

  • Mismatched calibers

  • Sheet metal, wood, glass ricochets

  • Shotgun ballistics

Day Four.

The final day reviews many of what the class observed at the range on day three and allows for an in depth question and answer section. Instructors also present some additional firearms topics and case review. The class ends with a large scale final exercise and exam.

  • Range day review

  • Wound ballistics

  • Long range shootings

Course links

introduction to shooting reconstruction course syllabus

course policies

Upcoming.

click here to host a course.

If you have any questions about registration email us at info@forzaforensics.com

Course requirements.

Students will need to bring any camera equipment normally carried while on duty.

(Camera kit rental is available. Select option during registration)