This intensive one-week training program is specifically designed for forensic professionals and individuals in supporting roles - including rangers, wildlife conservationists, and law enforcement personnel - who seek to enhance their knowledge and practical skills in wildlife crime scene management. The course equips participants with essential competencies required to secure and manage wildlife crime scenes as first responders. In situations where forensic specialists are not available, attendees will also learn how to document and collect evidence effectively, following established standard operating procedures.

Who Should Attend:
This program is ideal for:

• Professionals within the field of forensics

• Law Enforcement and Customs Officials

• Wildlife Rangers

• Members of the Judiciary

• Other professionals interested in gaining expertise and confidence in wildlife forensics and crime scene management

Enhance your professional capabilities in wildlife crime scene management and forensic evidence collection, and contribute to strengthening the fight against wildlife crime in your region.

Course duration: 40 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Identify various types of crime scenes.

• Identify what has to be documented at a scene.

• Outline safety precautions necessary at a crime scene.

• Identify the proper methods for approaching and securing a crime scene.

• Explain the process involved in handling a crime scene.

• Recognize ways in which a crime scene can be contaminated.

• Demonstrate how to photograph crime scenes and evidence.

• Demonstrate how to collect fragile evidence.

• Illustrate a rough scene sketch.

• Demonstrate how to document shoe prints and tyre tracks.

• Explain the chain of evidence/ chain of custody.

• Reflect on your own understanding of conservation challenges as related to wildlife crime, including human-wildlife conflicts.

• Work independently and within a group to complete course activities.
  

Course Outcomes:

• Attendees learn forensic skills, understand the background to wildlife crime and can give insights to the field;

• Attendees have a once in a lifetime experience on African soil being exposed to the issues and role-players in this field;

• Attendees gain the confidence to conduct a wildlife crime investigation with forensic trace collection, documentation, and present their case in a courtroom;

• Attendees experience a knowledge exchange opportunity between national and international rangers and professionals.