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Forensic training and consultancy

ESR provides training for forensic scientists, Police scene-of-crime officers, Police investigators and other law enforcement agencies in New Zealand and around the world.

Our forensic scientists provide comprehensive training for New Zealand and international clients covering forensic crime scene investigation (both in the field and in the laboratory), laboratory methods and technologies, forensic laboratory management, forensic quality management and giving evidence as an expert witness.

ESR's expertise in blood pattern analysis as well as 3D visualisation, drone imagery and virtual reality data capture, and DNA interpretation, is also frequently called upon to provide training to forensic laboratories and Police.

Forensic training photo

ESR delivers Forensic Awareness Training to the organisation Conflict Armament Research (CAR) in London, U.K. Photo by Kurt McManus

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis training

Bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) is the science of studying the bloody aftermath of violent crime and accidents to help investigators gather evidence to support the course of justice. ESR provides a range of basic and advanced training opportunities in bloodstain pattern analysis both in New Zealand and abroad. Whether you are a crime scene investigator, an instructor, a student, a laboratory-based scientist, or forensic consultant there will be something here for you. Find out more about Bloodstain Pattern Analysis training(external link).

3D laser scanning and virtual reality training 

ESR is a world-leader in applying 3D photography and virtual reality to its crime scene investigation and other applications. As well as spherical photographs and 3D representations of exhibits, more recently, ESR is incorporating the use of virtual reality (VR) as a means of investigate crime scenes and take the viewer on a virtual tour of the scene. The first court case to incorporate 3D presentation and VR capability was Operation Pencarrow, a Police siege where over 40 shots were fired. ESR is now working with a number of new partners on how this technology can be applied to other sectors, including visually preserving Maori cultural assets and capturing other complex scenes. Contact ESR's Dion Sheppard for more information.

DNA consultancy

ESR offers a wide range of Forensic Biology DNA testing services and can provide comprehensive training and consultancy to laboratories validating and implementing new techniques. In addition, ESR's Forensic DNA laboratory is state of art and ESR can provide consultancy for laboratories setting up new facilities. Our services are often called upon for an independent review of methods, validation and casework within external laboratories. The Forensic Genomics project is further developing Massive Parallel Sequencing (MPS) techniques for forensic use, find out more about our work with next generation sequencing.

STRmix™ is a breakthrough for forensic analysts as it can assist investigations using DNA evidence that was previously considered too complex to interpret. The software has been developed by ESR, with Forensic Science South Australia (FSSA). To find out more about the product and the comprehensive training that sits around this product, go to the STRmix™ website(external link)