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Forensic Training "Hands-On" "Street-Real"
Based Out Of Northern California, Our Forensic Training Is Designed For You
C.K. Hull & Associates provides a variety of quality forensic training programs for forensic practitioners and students within the Northern California (NorCal) area and beyond! All forensic courses are taught with a "hands-on" "street real" approach providing students exposure and experience in current forensic techniques and best practices used in the industry.
Photographed by Juan Rodriguez, Associate/ Forensic Technician
"Donna made the subjects understandable and relatable." Student Testimonial (Advanced Crime Scene Documentation & Evidence Collection)
"Cindy Hull was extremely knowledgeable of the subject and emphasized the importance of documentation."
-Student Testimonial, Department Customized Department Training (Basic Latent Print Processing)
"Great instructor, very knowledgeable." Student Testimonial (Advanced Crime Scene Documentation & Evidence Collection)
"The instructor was knowledgeable, patient with individuals and took needed time to answer everyone's questions."
Student Testimonial, Department Customized Department Training (Basic Latent Print Processing)
"Donna has a great amount of experience and knowledge. The variety of techniques presented was fantastic." Student Testimonial (Advanced Crime Scene Documentation & Evidence Collection)
"Cindy Hull was very thorough and hands on. She remained focused and on topic."
Student Testimonial, Department Customized Department Training (Basic Latent Print Processing)
"Cindy Hull was approachable, informative, great energy, entertaining and overall a great instructor."
Student Testimonial, Department Customized Department Training (Basic Latent Print Processing)
"Trevor and Melissa are great and passionate about what they do."
Student Testimonial (Trace Evidence and Collection Class)
"Enjoyed the hands on demonstrations. The instructors were knowledgeable and easy to understand."
Student Testimonial (Trace Evidence and Collection Class)
"I now have a better understanding of trace evidence and how it can be used in a case."
Student Testimonial (Trace Evidence and Collection Class)
"The hands-on practice is good to reinforce what was being taught/explained."
Student Testimonial (Trace Evidence and Collection Class)
"This would be a great class for the academy/ new officers to help encourage printing. Thank you for the tips on fingerprint processing."
Student Testimonial (Basic Fingerprint/ DNA Collection & Preservation Class)
"The most helpful aspects of the course were the hands-on activities." Student Testimonial (Basic Fingerprint/ DNA Collection & Preservation Class)
"Very knowledgeable and passionate on the subject, which made teaching very understandable." Student Testimonial (Basic Fingerprint/ DNA Collection & Preservation Class)
"Very informative class. New, up-to-date information and techniques." Student Testimonial (Basic Fingerprint/ DNA Collection & Preservation Class)
"Practical exercises were key. Enjoyed the amount of materials we had available to try out." Student Testimonial (Advanced Crime Scene Documentation & Evidence Collection)
"The hands-on exercises helped solidify the information presented." Student Testimonial (Advanced Crime Scene Documentation & Evidence Collection)
"The instructor is very interactive, friendly, knowledgeable and ready to share that knowledge."
-Student Testimonial, Department Customized Department Training (Basic Latent Print Processing)
"Donna was great! Very approachable and open to discussion and commentary." Student Testimonial (Advanced Crime Scene Documentation & Evidence Collection)
"The scene photography and sketch exercises were most valuable."
Student Testimonial, Department Customized Department Training (Basic Latent Print Processing)
"A wealth of experience."
Student Testimonial, Department Customized Department Training (Basic Latent Print Processing)
"Good overview of the four main duties of a CSI investigator: photos-video-sketch-evidence." Student Testimonial (Advanced Crime Scene Documentation & Evidence Collection)
Meet Our Forensic Team
Cindy Hull
The owner, Cindy K. Hull started the business in 2012 to better serve local law enforcement and provide her expertise in civil, criminal, and private cases. Cindy is a certified latent print examiner with the International Association for Identification (IAI). She has over 20 years of fingerprint analysis experience, including her years in private practice, 14 years as a latent print examiner with the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office (ten years as the Latent Print Supervisor), and more than five years at the Division of Criminal Investigations for the State of Iowa as a Fingerprint Technician. As an active member of the forensic community, she has served as an elective member of the executive board of California State Division of the IAI for nine years, including President (2014-2015). She also served as a member of the Board of Directors for the IAI (2015-2017). She is currently serving on the American Academy of Forensic Services Standard Board (ASB)-Friction Ridge Consensus Board Member and the Coordinator of the Northern California Forensic Study Group, which provides free training to law enforcement agencies and students.
Donna Kimmel-Lake
Donna Kimmel-Lake is an Evidence Specialist with the Napa County Sheriff's Office in California. Donna started her career in Forensics in 1988 with the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office Criminalistics Laboratory as a Crime Scene Investigator. In 2000, she took a position as an Evidence Specialist with the Napa County Sheriff's Office. Donna earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration in 2006. Donna is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the California State Division of the International Association for Identification, the International Association for Identification, the International Biometrics Association (formerly known as the NEC AFIS Internet User's Group), and the Northern California Forensic Study Group. Donna has served on numerous committees and advanced up several elected positions to become a president, and now past president for the California State Division of the International Association for Identification, and has also served on numerous committees and has served as Chairperson of the Board for the International Biometrics Association. Donna has been an instructor with several law enforcement training centers, and junior colleges, since 1994. Donna is a POST (Police Officer Standards and Training) certified instructor, and teaches crime scene investigation and evidence related topics for Basic Police academies, Corrections academies, and Requalification courses. Donna teaches and performs training for agency citizens' academies, agency trainings, and speaks at many schools and associations as a guest speaker. Donna has instructed varying forensic courses, including basic and advanced crime scene investigation, and reconstruction; bullet trajectory documentation and reconstruction; DNA evidence and standard collection; documentation and casting of impression evidence; use of the electrostatic dust print lifting device for the collection of shoe impressions in dust; serial number restoration; controlled substance testing using the Narcotics Identification (NIK) Kit; collection of friction ridge detail standards; specialized techniques for the recovery of difficult friction ridge detail for the identification of decedents; and the documentation and processing of living and deceased individuals (at the autopsy).
Melissa Dupée
Melissa Dupée has a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a Masters of Science in Forensic Science with 11 years experience in forensic science. Melissa started her forensic career in Cleveland, Ohio at the Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office working in the Trace Evidence and Toxicology Units as well as the Investigations Unit as a medicolegal death investigator. She is currently working at the Santa Clara County Crime Laboratory as a Criminalist in the Trace Evidence Unit performing analysis in hairs, fibers, paint, glass, gunshot residue and miscellaneous materials. Melissa is a member of the American Academy of Forensic Science, California Association of Criminalists and American Society of Trace Evidence Examiners. In addition to her forensic casework, Melissa also provides trace evidence training to law enforcement agencies in Santa Clara County and throughout the bay area.
Trevor Gillis
Trevor Gillis has been a criminalist at the Santa Clara County Crime Laboratory since 2000 and is currently the technical leader of the Paint & Polymers, Fibers, and Miscellaneous Chemicals & Materials programs. In his over 18 years of experience in criminalistics, he has worked in disciplines including hairs, fibers, glass, paint, polymers, tape, gunshot residue, physical match, unknown chemicals, miscellaneous materials, footwear & tire impressions, latent print development, controlled substances, alcohol, and toxicology. Trevor is an active member of the forensic community and has served as a Committee Chair and Board member of the California Association of Toxicologists and the Chair of the Training & Resources Committee of the California Association of Criminalists. As a member of the Gunshot Residue Subcommittee of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC), he is helping set national and international standards for forensics. He is certified in General Criminalistics by the American Board of Criminalistics and is a member of its Recertification Committee. Trevor has presented and published on topics including bloodstain pattern, pepper sprays, toxicology, and trace evidence.
Juan Rodriguez
Juan Rodriguez has a degree in Administration of Justice: Law Enforcement. He has been in the forensic/law enforcement field for five years. Currently he is employed by C. K. Hull & Associates as a Forensic Technician and at the Napa County Sheriff's Office as a member of the evidence laboratory.
Juan's expertise is in forensic photography. He has provided law enforcement department training and utilizes his forensic photography skills at crime scenes, autopsies and in the processing room/evidence laboratory. As an active member of the California State Division of the International Association for Identification (CSDIAI), he had been the educational seminar event photographer and has been awarded, two years in a row, first and second place in the photography contest held at the CSDIAI seminar.
He has two published research articles in the CSDIAI Digest, "Stat-Lift v. Electrostatic Dust Print Lifter" and "Long Term Retention... (Evidence Tape).
Forensic Training Classes
Basic Forensic Photography
This course will cover general information and techniques used in forensic field to properly document physical evidence found in crime scenes and in the lab. Students will learn how to operate their DSLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras, along with becoming familiar on using the proper settings to control the exposure to produce clear high quality photos. Also, students will learn how to use and select the proper equipment used in forensic photography such as cameras, tripods, flash attachments, shutter release cable, lenses etc. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to participate in hands on exercises to help develop their skills and knowledge in forensic photography.
Instructor: Juan Rodriguez
Course: 8 hours
Course Fee $200
Class Size: 5-10 students
**Students are encouraged to bring their crime scene camera and tripod for the forensic photography practical exercises.
Instructor: Juan Rodriguez
Course: 8 hours
Course Fee $200
Class Size: 5-10 students
**Students are encouraged to bring their crime scene camera and tripod for the forensic photography practical exercises.
Basic Fingerprint Processing
This course will cover techniques used in the field for the collection and preservation of latent prints (friction ridge detail) and DNA evidence found at crime scenes. Methods of latent print and DNA collection will be discussed. The students will have the opportunity to perform fingerprint processing using black powder, DNA collection, proper safety protocols, evidence preservation and packaging, case documentation, and court preparation.
Course: 16 hours
Instructor: Cindy Hull, CLPE
Course Fee $200 Max: 20 Students
Course: 16 hours
Instructor: Cindy Hull, CLPE
Course Fee $200 Max: 20 Students
Basic Crime Scene Documentation & Evidence Collection
This course will cover the basic documentation methods of note taking, photography, and sketching at the crime scene. Methods of surveying at the scene will be demonstrated, and the students will have the opportunity to perform the methods and collect measurements. Basic evidence collection, packaging, sealing, and storage will be covered.
Course: 16 hours
Instructor: Donna Kimmel-Lake
Course Fee $200 MAX: 20 Students
**Students are encouraged to bring their crime scene camera and tripod for the forensic photography practical exercises.
Course: 16 hours
Instructor: Donna Kimmel-Lake
Course Fee $200 MAX: 20 Students
**Students are encouraged to bring their crime scene camera and tripod for the forensic photography practical exercises.
Advanced Crime Scene Documentation & Evidence Collection
Prerequisite: Completion of the Basic Crime Scene Documentation & Collection Class
This course will cover specialized processing, shoe and tire casting, toolmark casting, presumptive blood testing, trajectory documentation and blood spatter documentation. All methods will be demonstrated and the students will have the opportunity to perform all methods.
Course: 24 hours
Instructor: Donna Kimmel-Lake
Course Fee $500 Max: 20 Students
**Students are encouraged to bring their crime scene camera and tripod for the forensic photography practical exercises.
Trace Evidence and Collection
This course will cover principles and techniques used for the recovery of material evidence and trace evidence found at crime scenes. Methods of recovering and securing evidence will be discussed. Students will learn scenarios where trace evidence should be considered, how to recover trace evidence, and current laboratory requirements for trace evidence submissions through lectures and practical exercises.
Course: 4 hours
Instructor(s): Trevor Gillis & Melissa Dupée
Course Fee $160 Max: 20 Students
Course: 4 hours
Instructor(s): Trevor Gillis & Melissa Dupée
Course Fee $160 Max: 20 Students
Collection of Friction Ridge Detail Standards
This course will cover techniques for the documentation and collection of friction ridge detail as standards . Methods of collecting friction ridge detail from the palms of the hand and the soles of the foot will be discussed. The student will have the opportunity to collect standards using ink, black fingerprint powder and white adhesive lifting material, inkless pads, the Coroner's spoon, and white casting material. These techniques may be used in the field, or in a laboratory environment.
Course: 4 hours.
Instructor: Donna Kimmel-Lake
Course Fee $160 Max: 20 Students
A course kit will be available for purchase. A course kit will include all materials taught in the class so students can immediately perform their new forensic skills in the field.
Course: 4 hours.
Instructor: Donna Kimmel-Lake
Course Fee $160 Max: 20 Students
A course kit will be available for purchase. A course kit will include all materials taught in the class so students can immediately perform their new forensic skills in the field.
Specialized Techniques for the Recovery of Identifiable Friction Ridge Detail on Decedents
This course will cover techniques for the recovery of friction ridge detail from decedents under difficult circumstances, such as with various stages of decomposition, dehydration, fire damage, and various stages of submersion. The student will have the opportunity to learn and practice, the techniques of casting of the ridge detail, and using adhesive lifting material. Basic documentation methods and evidence collection will be discussed.
Course: 4 hours.
Instructor: Donna Kimmel-Lake
Course Fee $160 Max: 20 Students
A course kit will be available for purchase. A course kit will include all materials taught in the class so students can immediately perform their new forensic skills in the field.
Course: 4 hours.
Instructor: Donna Kimmel-Lake
Course Fee $160 Max: 20 Students
A course kit will be available for purchase. A course kit will include all materials taught in the class so students can immediately perform their new forensic skills in the field.
Documentation & Processing of Living & Deceased Individuals (At The Autopsy)
Documentation and evidence collection in regards to the body as a "crime scene" will be discussed and demonstrated. Evidence topics will include: friction ridge detail standards and evidence; trace evidence collection; hair standards; DNA collection as standards and evidence; nail scrapings and clippings; gunshot residue collection; examination using a forensic light source; trajectory documentation; packaging of clothing and other items of evidence; and personal safety and clothing. Students will have the opportunity to practice these methods with hands-on exercises.
Course: 8 hours.
Instructor: Donna Kimmel-Lake
Course Fee $160 MAX: 20 Students
A course kit will be available for purchase. A course kit will include all materials taught in the class so students can immediately perform their new forensic skills in the field.
Course: 8 hours.
Instructor: Donna Kimmel-Lake
Course Fee $160 MAX: 20 Students
A course kit will be available for purchase. A course kit will include all materials taught in the class so students can immediately perform their new forensic skills in the field.
Restoration of Obliterated Serial Numbers on Firearms
This course will cover techniques for the documentation and recovery of obliterated serial numbers on firearms. The student will learn techniques for chemical etching, casting, and evidence processing and considerations. Safety and reporting will be discussed.
Course: 4 hours, or 8 hours (determined by equipment and kits used).
Instructor: Donna Kimmel-Lake
Course Fee $160 Max: 20 Students
A course kit will be available for purchase. A course kit will include all materials taught in the class so students can immediately perform their new forensic skills in the field.
Course: 4 hours, or 8 hours (determined by equipment and kits used).
Instructor: Donna Kimmel-Lake
Course Fee $160 Max: 20 Students
A course kit will be available for purchase. A course kit will include all materials taught in the class so students can immediately perform their new forensic skills in the field.
Customized Department Training
Every law enforcement agency is unique and has different forensic training needs and requirements. We provide customized training to meet your specific forensic training needs. You may choose one class or multiple classes to maximize your training experience.
Maximum student requirement: 20 students
Maximum student requirement: 20 students
Best Practices for Evidence Documentation and Collection Course
This 40 hour course is for crime scene responders, patrol, new and seasoned employees. The course will cover the basic documentation methods of note taking, forensic photography, and sketching that would be performed at a crime scene. Every student will have hands-on practical exercises to perform which will include documentation, collection and preservation of trace evidence, DNA and latent print processing. Courtroom testimony will be discussed demonstrating how best practices can make or break a case. This course will be providing students exposure and experience in current forensic techniques and best practices used in the industry.
Course: 40 hours.
Course Fee:$800 Max: 20 Students
**Students are encouraged to bring their crime scene camera and tripod for the forensic photography practical exercises.
Course: 40 hours.
Course Fee:$800 Max: 20 Students
**Students are encouraged to bring their crime scene camera and tripod for the forensic photography practical exercises.
Introduction to the Science of Friction Ridge Skin
This course will cover the history and application of fingerprints for personal identification, including proper techniques for recording friction ridge skin. Emphasis is placed on recognition of fingerprint patterns, fingerprint classification systems, and aspects of individualizing fingerprints.
Course: 24 hrs
Course Fee: $500
Instructor: Cindy Hull, CLPE
Location: C. K. Hull & Associates Forensic Training Center
Course: 24 hrs
Course Fee: $500
Instructor: Cindy Hull, CLPE
Location: C. K. Hull & Associates Forensic Training Center
Intermediate Fingerprint Identification
This course covers analysis, comparison and evaluation of friction ridge skin with emphasis on individualization of finger and palm prints.
Students will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in identification of finger and palm prints.
Course: 40 hrs
Course Fee: $800
Instructor: Cindy Hull, CLPE
Location: C. K. Hull & Associates Forensic Training Center
Students will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in identification of finger and palm prints.
Course: 40 hrs
Course Fee: $800
Instructor: Cindy Hull, CLPE
Location: C. K. Hull & Associates Forensic Training Center
Evidence Triage (Patrol/CSI Staff)
This course is designed to assist students to understand the importance of evidence procedures and protocols. This includes recognizing items of evidentiary value, evidence retention for friction ridge skin, general evidence documentation, evidence packaging, report writing and court testimony.
Course: 16 hrs
Course Fee: $200
Instructor: Cindy Hull, CLPE
Location: C. K. Hull & Associates Forensic Training Center
Course: 16 hrs
Course Fee: $200
Instructor: Cindy Hull, CLPE
Location: C. K. Hull & Associates Forensic Training Center
Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) Documentation and Evidence Collection
This course will focus on the roles of the crime scene processing and evidence collection personnel, and reconstructionists. Discussion and hands-on training will include overall scene processing considerations, processing of patrol and subject/suspect vehicles, processing of the involved officer, processing of the subject/suspect, and processing of the related firearms. All methods will be demonstrated, and the students will have the opportunity to perform all documentation and processing methods.
Course: 8 hours.
Course Fee $350 Max: 10 Students
Instructor: Donna Kimmel-Lake
This course may be designed to reflect policies and procedures adapted by your specific agency, in regards to OIS protocols involving processing and evidence collection.
Course: 8 hours.
Course Fee $350 Max: 10 Students
Instructor: Donna Kimmel-Lake
This course may be designed to reflect policies and procedures adapted by your specific agency, in regards to OIS protocols involving processing and evidence collection.
Register For 2020 Forensic Training Courses
Click Here for recommendations on where to stay while you train.
** All classes will be held at C.K Hull & Associates facility located 827 Arnold Dr #230 Martinez, CA 94553 **
2020 Class Dates Are Listed In Alphabetical Order
Advanced Crime Scene Documentation & Evidence Collection
March 18-20, 2020
Basic Crime Scene Documentation & Evidence Collection
- February 20 & 21, 2020
Basic Fingerprint Processing
- February 24 & 25, 2020
Basic Forensic Photography
- February 28, 2020
- July 17, 2020
- September 11, 2020
- November 6, 2020
California State Division of the IAI Forensic Seminar
May 18-22, 2020
Intermediate Fingerprint Identification
- September 21-25, 2020
International Association for Identification Educational Conference
- August 10-14, 2020
Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) Documentation & Evidence Collection
April 25, 2020- July 25, 2020
Northern California Forensic Study Group Meeting
- February 26, 2020
- May 6, 2020
- August 19, 2020
- October 21, 2020
- Copyright © 2020 C.K. Hull & Associates - Forensic Consulting Services, all rights reserved.
- 827 Arnold Dr, #230, Martinez, CA 94553
