2026 Iowa IAI Basic Crime Scene School

This course is approved for 40 IAI Certification hours and includes a one-year membership to the Iowa IAI

Class Dates: September 14th-18th, 2026

Class Times: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM each day, with 1 hour for lunch on your own

Class Location: Ankeny Police Department (411 SW Ordnance Rd, Ankeny, IA 50023)

Cost: $375.00 per student

Class Limit: 24

Contact person: Abigail Sutton (abigail.sutton@hhs.iowa.gov)

This class is in-person and is not virtually offered. Preferred registration will be given to those who are currently employed by a law enforcement agency or crime laboratory. A waitlist will be offered if the class limit is reached. 

Registration for this course will close on September 9th, 2026.

Class Topics will Cover:

• Basic Crime Scene Photography
• Night Scene / Long Exposure Photography
• Evidence Collection and Preservation
• Evidence Packaging and DCI Lab Standards
• Crime Scene Documentation / Diagramming
• Fingerprint Processing, Documentation and Collection
• Tire Track and Footwear Impression Documentation and Collection
• Known Exemplar Collection
• Toolmarks and Firearm Evidence Documentation and Collection
• DNA Evidence Collection
• Mock Scene Practical Exercises

Required Equipment Includes:

• DSLR Camera
• Standard lens (18-55 or higher focal length)
• Macro/Micro lens (a fixed length lens for a 1:1 ratio shot. This can be 50, 90, 100, or 105mm. This is a requirement for comparison photography, such as fingerprints, shoe-wear impressions, tool marks, etc.)
• Tripod & Adapter
• Remote Shutter
• External Flash and Flash Cord
• Flashlight
• Camera Accessories (batteries, chargers, extra memory cards)
• Laptop with SD Card Reader *not required, but strongly recommended* 

If you do not bring or share the above listed equipment to class, you will not be able to fully participate and therefore will not receive a training certificate.

Clothing:  

Please wear long pants and close-toed shoes or boots to class each day. Class exercises will occasionally be held outside the classroom, so please consider the weather and dress accordingly. The Iowa IAI will not reimburse damaged clothing. 

By registering for this course, the student and the agency is agreeing to the following conditions:

• Payment must be made in full to the Iowa IAI by September 14th, 2026. 
• If payment is not received by September 14th, 2026, and additional charge of $25.00 will be added to the original registration cost and must be paid in full by September 30th, 2026.
• All cancellations must be received no later than 5:00 PM on September 8th, 2026. Cancellations must be completed either via the Iowa IAI website or by emailing the listed course contact person directly. If a cancellation is not received by the above listed date and time, the agency agrees to pay the full registration amount of $375.00 by September 30th, 2026, or if already paid, will not receive a refund. If a cancellation is received before or by the above listed date and time, a full refund will be provided. 
• The agency and student understand that if all of the above listed required equipment is not brought to class the student will not receive a certificate or a refund of any kind. Equipment may be shared between up to two registered students.