Online Training Courses Applying to IAI Certification Programs

[Steve Everist]

This topic came up in the Training Posts section. Since it seems to be a topic that could make for good discussion, I thought I'd pull it here.

SConner requested:

Would those of you developing these online training webinars, if you haven't already, please submit them to the Crime Scene Certification Board for review also? I feel that some of these would be appropriate for crime scene members seeking certification or re-certification. That board has been very reluctant to accept online training, however, if it's good enough for the Latent Print Cert Board, it should be good enough for the Crime Scene Cert Board. I'm of the opinion that with conferences being canceled, training budgets getting whacked, and travel restrictions because of the pandemic, a lot of members are going to find it hard to find suitable training and the CSCB really needs to more accommodating towards their members and their needs.

DeltaForensics replied:

I have been in touch with the Crime Scene Board. They will not consider any online training for credit towards any certification status.

Andrew

I agree with Sean. Opportunities to gain credits to apply for certification are going to be limited for some time to come. For many, the IAI International and local conferences are a significant part of getting credits. If I remember correctly, the current method of obtaining qualifying credits was done to make it more available to more people and not be as restrictive as it used to be. However, it could be a year or more before in-person conferences and training opportunities happen again. And agencies, who rely upon local revenue for their budget, will have less money to spend. Training is often the first place to get the axe, and especially out of state training. That, along with the risks of the uncertainty of where things will progress or develop with the pandemic, will likely keep more people at home from conferences and out of area training.

A certification board that ignores this will find that they may have a reduction in initial certification applications and re-certification applications due to lack of ability to obtain the necessary credit to apply. It's good to see the the LPCB has allowed online/webinar-based classes for certification credits.

[SConner]

Start sending them emails, everybody.

My agency has already moved away from requiring IAI certification to promote from Crime Scene Specialist to Senior Crime Scene Specialist. One of the reasons was that the CSCB dramatically cut the number of training classes that qualified towards what was considered "crime scene" training. Another reason was that we felt it was better to test our people's knowledge about our policies, procedures, and how we do things vs how their selected textbooks say things should be done.

The CSCB board in particular has been very frustrating the past few years and I think they need to hear it from their members. Unfortunately, the vast majority of members never get seen or heard by the board because the vast majority of the members aren't able to attend the annual conference and if they do, they're probably not going to spend time going to the board meeting. Not to mention that paying for the conference gets you points, nothing says that you actually have to attend a lecture.

I have an email out to Arizona Identification Council members telling them I sent an email to the CSCB about this issue and asking for their support so that I wasn't the lone voice.

[DeltaForensics]

I agree with you. Continuing education is a key in the forensic community, especially during the current situation we are all facing. A couple years ago when I first approached the certification boards with the inquiry regarding approval of online courses for CE towards certification, it was obviously a novel request. My reasoning then was the observation of shrinking agency budgets, the need for accessible training, and the needs of our colleagues. I was glad to discuss these topics with the CLPE board, who approved several online training programs through Delta Forensics, allowing for people to earn some credit, and learn some new techniques/information, with minimal impact on their organizations. Since, I have also gotten an 8-hour online course approved by the CTPE board, however the CS Board has remained steadfast on their refusal to accept online training. I know of a great many CS certified people who are in danger of losing their certification, solely because they won't be able to meet their training credit requirement, and this situation will not end any time soon. While I will be the first person to advocate for the advantages on in-person courses, people can also certainly learn through an online platform, whether strictly a lecture-based webinar, or with other interactive additions. There is certainly some technological hurdles, but it can be done. My live sessions this week went pretty well, and I have taken steps to improve on some issues arising, so the next training dates may have an improved experience, unfortunately, the credit will only go towards CLPE certification or re-certification (depending on which course is taken).

Andrew
Delta Forensics, LLC
www.delta-forensics.com

[Steve Everist]

With the April-June 2020 JFI, the Tri-Tech insert says that they "are exploring the possibility of holding online training." And that the "online courses will continue to meet IAI standards." It seems like this would be the perfect opportunity for the Crime Scene Certification Board to work with the IAI's Official Training Partner to establish a path towards allowing online classes to qualify for certification points.

[SConner]

I saw that also Steve and if that were the case, why wouldn't the Secretary of the CSCB told me when I emailed them instead of just flat out no? My email would have given them the perfect opportunity to say we hear your concerns and we're working on that issue with TriTech as we speak, but they didn't.

[DeltaForensics]

Hello,

As a recent update, even though I had been told in the past the CS Board would not consider online training programs for CE credit, last week I received a marketing training email from TriTech, where I noted one 2 hour webinar stated it was approved by the CSCB for credit. I have contacted the board and their reply was that they are now accepting applications for some online courses for consideration. I have submitted materials for several courses that are currently accepted by the CLPE board, and my hope is at least some will also be approved by the CSCB to assist those certified during these unprecedented times.

Andrew

www.delta-forensics.com

[Steve Everist]

The July/Aug/Sep edition of IDentification News addresses this issue.

If you are a member and haven't received your copy, they are available in the member area of the IAI's website.

[DeltaForensics]

Everyone,

I am still awaiting a response from the CSCB regarding the online training inquiries I made, however, I have announced a number of upcoming live, online training sessions through Delta Forensics that are approved by the CLPE Board. More information can be found online at: www.delta-forensics.com/online-training.html.

Thanks and stay safe!

Andrew

[DeltaForensics]

Hello everyone,

As a follow up to the earlier discussions in this thread, I have received the following approvals from the Crime Scene Certification Board as of today:

The IAI Crime Scene Certification Board has approved the following online courses for continuing education credit towards toward re-certification:
- Crime Scene Latents Webinar Series (16 Hours/8 Credits)
- Development of Blood Impressions Webinar (4 Hours/2 Credits)
- Evidentiary Photography Webinar (4 Hours/2 Credits)
- Latent Print Processing Webinar (8 Hours/4 Credits)
- Latent Print Photography Webinar Series (15 Hours/8 Credits)

Thanks,
Andrew

Delta Forensics, LLC
www.delta-forensics.com

[SConner]

That's awesome, glad to hear they relented.