Masterclass · approx. 2 hours · on location

Forensics Fundamentals

Step into the world of forensic investigation and discover what role traces can play in investigating and reconstructing a crime. Contact between people, objects and locations can leave various traces, such as hairs, fibres, scent traces or fingerprints.

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✓ No prior knowledge needed · interactive & accessible · CRKBO-accredited

Level

MasterclassForensic investigation

Format

approx. 2 hourson location in Gilze-Rijen

Investment

€ 195VAT-exempt

Institute

CRKBORegistered institute

Certificate

IACAcertificate of attendance

About the masterclass

Every contact leaves a trace

In this interactive masterclass you learn that every contact leaves a trace, from a hair or fiber to a scent or fingerprint. You get to know different types of traces and learn what meaning they can have within an investigation, depending on their nature and context.

An inspiring introduction to forensic techniques, presented in an accessible and practical way. You learn that traces only gain real meaning when placed within the bigger picture, and you analyze scenarios using practical examples.

What you learn

From trace to substantiated scenario

The masterclass covers different types of forensic traces and their possible meaning within an investigation:

Traces

Every contact leaves a trace

From hairs and fibres to scent traces: you learn which types of traces exist and what meaning they can have within an investigation.

Evidence

DNA and fingerprints

You gain insight into DNA analysis and dactyloscopy (fingerprint examination), the role of databases and the possibilities and limitations of these methods.

Scenario

Traces in context

Traces only gain meaning within the wider picture: you apply hypothesis formation and scenario thinking.

The masterclass is taught by Carina van Leeuwen, a former forensic detective with more than thirty years of experience in Dutch investigative practice, including twenty years in the Cold Case team of the Amsterdam police. She was involved in high-profile investigations and international identification processes and is regarded as a leading expert in the forensic field.

Alongside her practical experience she studied Forensic Investigation at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, where she also gave guest lectures. Carina is a co-initiator of the international project Operation Identify Me and spoke about it at the United Nations.

With her combination of practical knowledge, teaching experience and her work as an author and speaker, she is known for her accessible and inspiring way of sharing knowledge. During the masterclass she takes you into the world of trace investigation and scenario thinking, based on real practical experience. A unique opportunity to learn directly from an expert how forensic science is applied in practice.

Program

What you learn to recognize

In approximately one and a half to two hours we cover a wide range of evidence types and thinking in scenarios.

Hair and fibres that can indicate contact, transfer or a possible link to a location

Shoe marks and ear prints and their possible value for comparison and identification

Human scent traces and how they can be used within criminal investigations

DNA and databases: how it works, when it is used and what the results mean

Fingerprints (dactyloscopy) with the associated myths, facts and databases

Hypothesis formation and scenario thinking: developing and testing scenarios systematically

The common thread

From a single trace to reconstruction

A forensic investigation begins with carefully recognizing and recording possible traces. These may include hairs, fibres, shoe marks, scent traces, DNA or fingerprints.

A single trace rarely gives a complete picture. Its meaning is assessed in relation to where it was found, the other traces and further investigative information.

Using hypothesis formation and scenario thinking you examine how the various findings fit within possible explanations for the crime.

CASE FILE · FORENSICS FORENSICS

Crimethe case

Hair & fibrescontact and transfer

Shoe marks& ear prints

Scent tracesinvestigation

DNAdatabases

Fingerprintdactyloscopy

Hypothesistesting

Scenarioreconstruction

Drag a node · hover shows connections

Target group

Who is this masterclass developed for?

The Forensics Fundamentals: Traces and Scenarios masterclass is intended for anyone who wants to get to know forensic investigation. No prior knowledge is required.

The masterclass is also of interest to professionals in security, supervision and enforcement and to students and starters orienting towards criminalistics, law or security.

Interested individuals Security and supervision Enforcement Students Starters Criminalistics Law No prior knowledge needed

Certification & accreditation

An IACA certificate of attendance

Our training institute has been assessed and registered with the CRKBO, the Central Register for Short Vocational Education. On completion of the masterclass you receive:

✓IACA certificate · Forensics Fundamentals

You work with recognisable practical examples, so the forensic techniques come to life immediately.

Our programs and masterclasses are a valuable addition to your CV.

Related programs

Would you like to explore this field further? Take a look at our related programs:

Course formats

Open, private or customized

While this masterclass is usually offered as an open masterclass, we understand that you may need a private setting given the nature of your work. With at least twelve participants we provide a private masterclass. We also offer tailored programs based on parts of this masterclass. We are happy to put together a suitable proposal. All our instructors are screened and have signed non-disclosure agreements with various government agencies. A specific non-disclosure agreement for your organization or service can also be arranged.

Participation

Plan your participation

The new start date for the open masterclass will follow. We also deliver the masterclass privately or customized; from twelve participants we schedule it in consultation.

Start date to followOpen masterclass · approx. one and a half to two hours

At our location in Gilze-Rijen

On request

Request information

In-houseTo be scheduled

From twelve participants · customization possible

On request

Request proposal

Frequently asked questions

Forensics Fundamentals: your questions answered

You get to know different types of forensic traces and learn what meaning they can have within an investigation: from hair, fibres and scent traces to DNA and fingerprints. You then apply hypothesis formation and scenario thinking to practical examples.

The masterclass lasts approximately one and a half to two hours, at our location in Gilze-Rijen. The investment is € 195 per participant, VAT-exempt.

For a broad audience: the curious, professionals in security, supervision or enforcement, and students or starters orienting towards criminalistics, law or security.

No. This masterclass is an accessible and inspiring introduction to forensic techniques, presented in a practical way.

Carina van Leeuwen. She worked in criminal investigation for over thirty years, twenty of them with the Cold Case team of the Amsterdam police, co-initiated the international project Operation Identify Me and spoke about it at the United Nations. You therefore learn straight from practice, using real cases.

On completion you receive the IACA certificate of attendance.

Get to know forensic investigation

Discover the world of forensic investigation

Request information without obligation about the Forensics Fundamentals masterclass, or about a private or customized version for your team.

Request information → Enroll