Course History

Basic Homicide Investigation Training Curriculum

The International Homicide Investigators Association (IHIA), through a grant from the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, convened an Advisory Board of multi-disciplinary professionals to develop a framework for establishing minimum homicide investigator training standards.  These members are recognized experts in the areas of death investigation, forensics, ethics, victim advocacy, and the academic community.  They represented resources such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, American Psychological Association, the IHIA, Fraternal Order of Police, major universities, and state and local law enforcement agencies  

As a result of its work, the Advisory Board identified nineteen instructional goals appropriate for a basic homicide investigation training course and  generated a model 5-day, 40-hour minimum training schedule. This training reflects a heavy reliance on providing investigators with enhanced skills by which to do their jobs and with an emphasis on cooperation and interaction with coroners, medical examiners, and prosecutors. Improving and enhancing the ability of homicide investigator through these core minimum standards of training  raises the professionalism, capability, and effectiveness of those officers charged with solving homicides.