For Online Programs Click Here

Click above icon for upcoming

Forensic Art On-Site Training Programs

Instructor Stephen Mancusi
40-hour programs - Monday through Friday 9:00 to 5:00

These forensic art workshops are available to law enforcement agencies on location. They are designed to offer forensic art training opportunities to police artists located in a specific geographical area. The workshops are structured to provide training through lectures, demonstrations and hands-on assignments by the students. Forensic art is a highly skilled profession that requires significant training and real world experience. All completed assignments will be critiqued according to this level of professionalism. During these programs, the beginner artist will obtain the foundational forensic art skills and a practicing forensic artist will improve their skills. The programs will also introduce the student to fundamental and advanced concepts of forensic art. There are several basic to advanced workshops each covering certain disciplines and techniques of the forensic artist.

Programs can include:

• Composite Sketching
• The Advanced Composite Sketching Session
• Basic Photoshop techniques and digital graphics for the forensic artist
• Image Modification (Age progressions, Advanced digital updating and enhancements of photographs)

Acceptance to workshops may require students to submit examples of his/her artwork. T

Composite Sketching Workshops

These workshops will address the skills needed to conduct a successful composite sketching session with a victim or witness of a crime. Improving the drawing skills of the artist and helping him/her achieve a quality facial drawing will be emphasized. Interviewing techniques and the crucial witness/artist relationship will be explored. Students will be furnished with all necessary printed materials related to each topic and assignment. All art supplies will be provided.

Basic Topics covered:

• Facial Anatomy
• The Three Stage Composite Sketching Method
• Photograph References
• Improving Visual Skills of the Artist
• Pencil Drawing Techniques
• Equipment and materials
• Conducting the Composite Session
• The Standard Operation Procedure
• Basic Interviewing and Questioning Techniques
• Witness memory and perceptions
• Solutions to Descriptive Terminology

Advanced Topic Covered

• Multiple Witness Composite Sessions
• Pattern Cases
• Difficult Sessions and Problem Solving
• Advance Interviewing Techniques
• Legal aspects
• Advanced drawing skills and techniques are explored
  

As in every profession, there is a necessity for continuing specialized training opportunities. These programs can be adjusted to meet the needs of an agency or department. At the successful completion of any of these workshops and depending on the student's previous experience, participants will possess a new insight into the skills needed to create quality forensic images. These successful students will receive a Certificate of Accomplishment documenting their participation in the program.

List of materials each student will need will be supplied.

Please note: The purchase of these materials for each student will be made by the instructor prior to the start of the workshop. Once the cost of the materials is established, it will be added to the student's tuition. This will ensure that each student has the proper equipment at the start of the workshop.

Hosting agency's responsibilities and equipment requirements:

• A classroom that will accommodate all registered student artist (approximately 10 to 18 students)
• Classroom should be equipped with good lighting, electric pencil sharpeners and large sturdy tables or desks. Table types such as drafting desk, sturdy lunchroom tables or conference room tables would be best. The instructor will need access to each student sitting at his/her workspace. Small lecture hall desks or chairs are not conducive for graphic art instruction.
• The instructor will need access to a digital projector and screen. The use of a lecture hall would be preferred but it is not essential.
• The hosting agency will supply the predetermined number of student artists for the program. Student registration should be approximately 10 to 18 students. This can be adjusted according to the needs and conditions of the agency or geographical area.
• can The instructor can supply limited number of brochures and applications for the hosting agency to mail to potential students.
• Payment of tuition and fees to be worked out.
• Logistical issues such as parking, student refreshments, location directions and lodging will be the responsibility of the hosting agency.
  
  

Feel free to contact Stephen Mancusi with any questions you may have.