Basic Investigative Photography

Program Announcement

The Monroe County Public Safety Training Facility (PSTF), under the auspices of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), will be holding a Basic Investigative Photography Course at 1190 Scottsville Road, Rochester, New York. This course teaches the skills necessary to effectively photograph a crime scene and the evidence contained therein by means of classroom instruction and practical workshops. Although this course provides a brief overview of film-based photography, the majority of instruction centers around digital photography. As such, students are required to bring and utilize digital camera equipment.

Students who successfully complete this course will receive two (2) college credits from Monroe Community College.

Session Dates

December 8 through 12, 2025, 8:30am to 4:30pm

Prerequisites

  • Full time, active duty NYS certified police officer or peace officer;
  • Civilian employees of law enforcement agencies may attend with written authorization from their department.

Required Attire and/or Equipment

Attire (dress code)

  • Business casual, or
  • Department designated uniform of the day

Equipment

  • 35mm SLR or Digital SLR (preferred) capable of manual operation
  • Electronic flash – detachable if available
  • Remote sync cord
  • Shutter release cable or remote control
  • Lens with macro/close-up capability
  • Flashlight
  • Tripod
  • Owner’s manual for camera and electronic flash
  • Adequate supply of batteries or power source for camera and flash (charger, battery packs)
  • Variety of scales
  • Evidence markers
  • Two (2) memory cards (minimum 16GB)

Instructional Areas

  • Basic photography equipment
  • Digital photography
  • Basic techniques of photography
  • Lighting techniques
  • Flash photography
  • Crime scene photography
  • Evidence photography

Graduation Requirements

  • 90% attendance
  • 70% passing grade on final written examination
  • Satisfactory completion of practical exercises

Course Tuition and Fees

  • Tuition: $434.00 (per person)
  • Estimated Student Fees: $113.00 (Student fees may vary each semester)
  • Agencies will be billed directly

Note: Monroe Community College may find it necessary to revise tuition and fees as necessary and reserves the right to do so.

Reservations

Please complete the online Law Enforcement Program Course Reservation Form prior to the deadline of November 10, 2025. Submitting a reservation form does not guarantee admittance. Agencies will receive a confirmation notice after the deadline.

To avoid double tuition billing, a Certificate of Residence is required from students who reside outside of Monroe County.