Announcing its 2006 School of Evidence Photography and Imaging, to be held in Long Beach, Calif., November 16-19, Evidence Photographers International Council (EPIC) reveals the addition of timely new and vitally relevant classes, such as how to photograph terrorist activities for evidence.

The seminar, “Preparation for and Documentation of Terrorist Activities and the Aftermath of Disasters and/or Weapons of Mass Destruction,” will be taught by Leonard Reed, who is qualified as a general instructor in Weapons of Mass Destruction by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and certified in Weapons of Mass Destruction Law Enforcement Protective Measures. He also holds certification as an instructor on environmental crimes from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and is a certified law enforcement photographer.

Another addition to this year’s curriculum at EPIC’s annual school is “Marine and Underwater Crime and Accident Scene Identification and Documentation,” taught by Aric Dutelle, MFS, and Nancy Olds of the United States Secret Service.

Instructor Patrick Besant-Matthews, M.D., world renowned forensic pathologist and evidence photographer, will teach “Small Caliber Bullet Wound Documentation” and “Shotgun Wound Evaluation,” including weapon and ammunition identification. Dr. Besant-Matthews is the former Chief Medical Examiner of Seattle-King County, Wash., and former Deputy Chief Medical Examiner of Dallas County, Texas.

Among the school’s seminars to address topics specific to digital imaging and evidence documentation will be “Truth in Imaging.” Taught by Russell Rohde, M.D., the class will examine issues of evidence tampering, scanner issues, resolution issues, and what software to buy.

Program chairman, Sandy Weiss, BSM, BCEP, PI of Packer Engineering in Naperville, IL calls this year’s 21-member faculty “the best of the best.” All are highly experienced practitioners and instructors. Eleven hold advanced degrees, including two medical doctors, four with doctorates, and three professional engineers. Five are board-certified evidence photographers.

“This is a once-a-year opportunity for people who want to learn their craft from the most highly sought-after, internationally recognized experts,” Weiss concludes.

Covering everything from the basics of evidence photography to the fine points of its various sub-specialties, the EPIC school is widely attended by law enforcement, private investigators, evidence photographers, and others interested in the growing field of evidence photography.

The four-day series of lectures and hands-on sessions begins with a one-day foundation course on November 16 that covers everything from the basics of investigating and documenting the scene of a crime or accident to how to start an evidence photography business. It also addresses critical aspects of digital photography.

Three days of intensive training follow on November 17-19. Among this year’s classes are: Fire, Explosion and Arson Investigation including the use of evidence for computer fire modeling, Night Documentation and Photography, Proper Methods for Documenting and Analyzing Personal Injuries, plus PowerPoint Methods for Presentation of Crime Scene Evidence, and more.

Vendors with current, discipline-related products will be available to demonstrate their equipment and products.

EPIC’s fall School will be held at the Courtyard by Marriot in Long Beach, California. Early registration is available on November 15.

EPIC offers a certification program in evidence photography and imaging through its school, as well as continuing education credits required by many law enforcement agencies.

For additional information, visit www.epic-photo.org.