Accommodations are offered to course participants. Our rooms are subject to availability and the request must be indicated on the course registration form
Meal plans are offered to course participants. The specific meal plan must be indicated on the course registration form
Travel grant funding is available to our non-federal law enforcement agencies
2025
Course registration details
Session(s)
Location
Start date
End date
25-01 English
Ottawa
2025-06-09
2025-06-13
25-02FR French
Quebec
2025-10-06
2025-10-10
Cost
Tuition
$2,925.00
Notes
Accommodations are offered to course participants. Our rooms are subject to availability and the request must be indicated on the course registration form
Meal plans are offered to course participants. The specific meal plan must be indicated on the course registration form
Travel grant funding is available to our non-federal law enforcement agencies
Description
Physical evidence is any object or impression of an object that can establish that a crime has been committed, can provide a link between a crime and its victim, or can provide a link between a crime and its perpetrator. The examination of physical evidence by a forensic investigator is usually undertaken for identification and comparison purposes. The objective of identification is to determine the physical or chemical identity of a substance with as near absolute certainty as existing analytical techniques will permit. The objective of a comparison is to determine whether or not the suspect specimen and a control specimen have a common origin, by subjecting them to the same examinations and tests.
The Physical Evidence Comparison Course is designed to provide forensic identification personnel with the knowledge and skills that are essential to crime scene examination, forensic evidence gathering processes, and the structured methodology of forensic evidence examination.
Format and delivery
Length of course
5 days
Class size
maximum 20 students
Delivery setting
theoretical components are delivered in classroom; practical components may take place indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
Learning outcomes
Knowledge of a broad range of forensic techniques and procedures with respect to the detection, collection and preservation of physical evidence, and utilizing the latest advances in the forensic discipline.
Ability to analyze, compare, and evaluate various types of physical evidence utilizing a structured methodology.
Ability to apply strategies to minimize the effect of confirmation bias and remain objective during the analysis and comparison of physical evidence.
Ability to document the analysis, comparison, and evaluation of physical evidence.
Knowledge on how to prepare to present opinion evidence in Court.
Eligibility and mandatory requirements
This course is offered to law enforcement personnel who are employed as forensic identification personnel and are employed in a role where physical comparisons are conducted.
Registrants must have completed the Forensic Identification Course (FIC) or equivalent, or Phase II of the Forensic Identification Apprentice Training Program.
Acceptance or refusal in the course is at the discretion of the Canadian Police College.
Assessment
Success in the course is based on participation and completion of all required assignments.
Various evaluation methods are used, including assessment of a report and a practical exam.
Re-testing or re-evaluation is conducted at the discretion of the course instructor.