Recent Student Hit

"Stephen Mancusi's forensic art workshop introduced me to new methods and new ways of thinking which not only greatly improved my work but resulted in more hits and arrests. Steve has continued to provide me with valuable feedback long after his course was over. My only regret is not taking it sooner. Another crime solved and another victim helped because of your course. "

Detective Larry Boody
Bridgewater Twp Police Department
New Jersey

Upcoming Program

Composite Sketching Workshop

• Location: To Be Announced
• Dates:
• Time:
  

Click here for workshop information and application

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 from around 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. Through the instructor's evaluations, the beginner artist will obtain the foundational skills for forensic art, as well as to improve the skills of a practicing forensic artist. They 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 will 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)
• Facial Photograph Comparison Analysis

Acceptance to a basic workshop may require students to submit examples of his/her artwork. These basic programs are prerequisite for the advanced workshops.

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. The International Association of Identification (I.A.I.) Certification in Forensic Art Program has approved these workshops for 40 hours of training.

Composite Sketching Workshop Tuition cost:

Topics Covered:

• Pencil drawing techniques
• Facial anatomy
• Interviewing techniques
• Use of References (Mug Shots or Facial Feature Catalogs)
• Witness memory and perceptions
• Equipment and materials
• Artist Unit Setup

Advanced Composite Session Workshop Tuition cost:

Topics Covered:

• Multiple Witness Composite Sessions
• Pattern Cases
• Problem Solving (Deception)
• Advance interviewing (weak witness, children and elderly)
• Field Sketching
• 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.
• Hosting agency will be responsible for the mailing of the workshop brochures and applications to potential students. The instructor will supply limited number of brochures and applications.
• Payment of tuition and fees will be worked out between the hosting agency and the instructor. A total sum payment by the hosting agency or direct tuition payment by the individual student to ForArtist can be arranged.
• 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.