Investigative Locksmithing - Automotive Forensic Case Management & Procedures

The course will deliver an understanding of the processes and procedures involved in investigative locksmithing and its value in the investigative field. Participants will become familiar with identification, collection, chemical extraction and recovery of exhibits, and examination techniques. Participants will understand the importance of photographic record keeping, the chain of evidence, and standardised, effective recording of observations that allows for informative, concise report writing.

COURSE OUTLINE

DAY 1

• Role of Forensic Locksmithing in the investigative field. Suggestions and discussion on how to set up an efficient workspace to provide trouble-free flow for administrative requirements and laboratory procedures. Vehicle inspection in the field. Participants will learn to use the Illustrated Technical Summary template to accurately and methodically record their discoveries concerning the perimeter security of the vehicle. Examination of vehicle's interior, paying attention to the condition of the Ignition Steering Lock Assembly (ISLA) and the status of the electronic engine immobiliser. Demonstration of immobiliser system interrogation. 
• Discussion of discovery by participants. Instructors to demonstrate to participants all things that could have formed part of the discovery. Discussion of collection of exhibits of probative value (actual collection to be carried out on Day two).
• Participants will observe controlled burning of a vehicle whilst noting the fire development and sequence of events. 

DAY 2

• Inspection of fire-damaged vehicle, using the template to record observations as with Day one.
• Discussion of observations. Instructors to provide further information and observations as needed.
  
• Identification and collection of exhibits for further laboratory examination. Instructors to demonstrate how exhibits are collected, stored and labelled to maintain chain of custody and prevent evidence spoilage.
  

DAY 3

• Discuss previous days' events and further questions or observations. Examination of exhibits.
• Chemical extraction and recovery of critical components collected from the vehicle and contained within the debris and the importance of continued observation and photographic record.
• Preparation of exhibits to return to the lab.

DAY 4

• Laboratory work practises: review the fire event sequence, including the recovery and processing of exhibits, ultrasonic cleaning and final examination. Key analysis – Macro and microscopic examination, diagnostic interrogation of transponders, whether primary or secondary use key, OEM or aftermarket, is it a duplicate etc.
• Macro and microscopic examination processes.
• Photographic records.

DAY 5

• Real-life examples from start to finish.
• Analysis of CCTV alleged thefts and further discussion etc. 

COURSE INSTRUCTORS