ICI Foundation Specialty Courses
An ICI Foundation Specialty is an area of investigative specialization. There are currently 13 ICI Foundation Specialty Courses and each student is required to complete at least one to earn an ICI Certificate of Achievement, in addition to the ICI Core Course and a minimum of 72 hours of qualifying Investigative Electives (pdf). The ICI Foundation Specialty Courses may not to used as an investigative elective.
13 ICI Foundation Specialty Courses
Arson/Explosive Investigation (ICI)
Course Number: 30101
Course Description
This ICI Foundation Specialty course provides investigators with the basics for conducting investigations into fire or explosion incidents. This course is designed to enhance the origin and cause investigative skills of the law enforcement and/or fire investigator. This course provides instruction in explosives identification and applications, explosives effects, IED component recognition and evidence collection. The student/investigator will be given information in a variety of scenarios and must make a determination whether a fire or explosion is accidental or criminal.
Students will be trained in a systematic method of investigating a fire or explosion scene including fire dynamics, fire chemistry and burn pattern analysis. Students will learn how to properly document fire and explosion scenes and describe the steps necessary to obtain a search warrant for such incidents.
At the conclusion of this course, the student/investigator will be able to: interpret and apply laws related to arson and explosive incidents; utilize proper investigative techniques to determine whether a fire/explosion is accidental or criminal; understand the roles and responsibilities of the fire/explosion investigator; successfully prepare for and assist in the prosecution of fire/explosive cases; and effectively use appropriate experts in developing their cases and court presentations.
Number of Hours: 40
Burglary Course (ICI)
Course Number: 31290
Course Description
This ICI Foundation Specialty course provides investigators with the knowledge and skills necessary to competently conduct burglary, theft, and receiving stolen property investigations. Students will be trained in specific investigative techniques, problem-solving methodologies and case management skills. This course provides instruction in residential burglaries, cargo theft, safe burglaries, cell phone fraud, metal theft, organized theft rings, pawn shop stings, and crime pattern analysis.
At the conclusion of this course the student/investigator will be able to: interpret and apply theft related laws; successfully prepare for and assist in the prosecution of burglary cases; and improve clearance and filing rates.
Number of Hours: 40
Child Abuse (ICI)
Course Number: 32340
Course Description
This ICI Foundation Specialty course provides investigators with an enhanced understanding of crimes committed against children, including relevant laws, the role of the child abuse investigator, child victim dynamics and interviewing, child forensic medical exams, investigative techniques and strategies, essential investigative steps and considerations for physical abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse, suspect dynamics and interrogation, physical evidence collection, online sexual exploitation, and investigator wellness. All ICI courses are based upon adult learning principles and include practical and interactive classroom activities.
Number of Hours: 40
Fundamentals of Cybercrime Investigations (ICI)
Course Number: 23415
Course Description
The ICI Fundamentals of Cybercrime Investigations course is an ICI Foundation Specialty course designed for peace officers currently assigned, or will be assigned, to investigate cybercrime investigations. This course is designed to enhance the effectiveness of the individual criminal investigator’s skills in performing the multi-disciplined, multi-leveled tasks necessary to successfully investigate aspects of investigations involving cybercrime. Instruction in this course is provided through a coordinated, experience-based adult learning approach addressing technology crimes, basic computer components, internet and basic networking, internet crime investigation techniques, digital forensics and seizures, intelligence gathering, cellular phones, cloud-based investigations and emerging trends.
Number of Hours: 40
Domestic Violence Investigation (ICI)
Course Number: 32415
Course Description
This ICI Foundation Specialty course provides investigators with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct successful domestic violence related investigations. Students will be provided with training in victim dynamics, specific investigative techniques, problem-solving methodologies, and case management skills related to the various types of domestic violence including cross-cultural, elder abuse, and stalking.
At the conclusion of this course the student/investigator will be able to: interpret and apply laws related to domestic violence incidents; and successfully prepare for and assist in the prosecution of a domestic violence case.
Number of Hours: 40
Financial Crimes Investigations (ICI)
Course Number: 32459
Course Description
This ICI Foundation Specialty course provides investigators with the skills and knowledge needed to investigate cases of fraud, forgery, and other financial crimes. Fraud and forgery are a constantly changing, pervasive and multi-faceted area of criminal behavior that demands new and evolving investigative procedures. Students will practice handwriting identification skills, and be provided with instruction in the identification and preservation of evidence involved in computer and credit card crimes, and classification of fraud schemes and organized crime groups.
At the conclusion of this course the student/investigator will be able to: interpret and apply laws related to financial crimes; properly identify the elements and processes used in the commission of personal identity fraud; and successfully prepare for and assist in the prosecution of a fraud/forgery related case.
Number of Hours: 40
Gang Investigations (ICI)
Course Number: 26011
Course Description
This ICI Foundation Specialty course is designed for peace officers who are currently assigned or will be assigned to investigate gang investigations. This course is designed to enhance the effectiveness of the individual criminal investigator’s skills in performing the multi-disciplined, multi-leveled tasks necessary to successfully conduct a comprehensive gang investigation. Instruction in this course is provided through a coordinated, experience-based adult learning approach which addresses case law review, search warrants, informant management, social media investigations, gang documentation, expert testimony and gang subcultures.
Prerequisite: All students planning to attend this course must view the POST Training Network DVD "Gangs & Drugs: How Gangs Operate", and answer a two-page worksheet prior to the first day of class. The DVD and worksheet will be mailed to all registrants with a travel confirmation letter approximately 6 weeks prior to class.
Number of Hours: 40
Homicide Investigation (ICI)
Course Number: 31921
Course Description
This ICI Foundation Specialty course provides investigators with the information and skills to aid them in a proficient homicide investigation. This course is designed for detectives who investigate homicides and is modeled in adult based learning. Each block of instruction will include hands on activities which require active participation from the class, or small group collaboration. Students/investigators in this class are required to investigate a fictitious homicide which will involve them in collecting/packaging evidence at the crime scene, following up on information provided to them, preparing a search warrant(s) and presenting their case to a panel of legal experts. Students are also required to attend a site visit / tour of a crime lab and coroner's office; and participate in an outdoor crime scene practical in which they learn methods for determining a potential burial site, how to excavate a body and how to collect insect evidence.
This course includes instruction in: the mindset shift; crime scene and case management; role of the criminalist; forensic pathology and odontology; homicide law and case preparation; forensic entomology and anthropology; homicide interviews and interrogations; child death investigations; elder death investigations; arson and terrorist investigations; officer-involved shootings; electronic investigations; investigative resources (including gang murders); media relations; interaction with the victim's family; and investigator wellness.
At the conclusion of this course the student/investigator will be able to: interpret and apply homicide laws; and successfully prepare for and assist in the prosecution of a homicide case.
Number of Hours: 80
Human Trafficking Investigations (ICI)
Course Number: 21515
Course Description
This ICI Foundation Specialty course provides investigators with hands-on training in the multi- faceted area of Human Trafficking and related undercover operations. This course is specifically designed for investigators responsible for handling crimes related to Human Trafficking. Students in this course are exposed to a series of various scenarios; including sex and labor trafficking case studies, victim interviews, undercover surveillance exercises, use of website searches for out-calls, etc. This course will also provide training on Human Trafficking victimology, victim-centered approaches to investigations, laws and legal applications, evidence collection, proactive case development to include technology used to commit Human Trafficking crimes (internet) as well as technology available to solve crimes, and potential ethical issues. At the conclusion of this course the student/investigator will be able to: interpret and apply laws related to Human Trafficking crimes.
At the conclusion of this course the student/investigator will be able to: interpret and apply human trafficking laws; and successfully prepare for and assist in the prosecution of a human trafficking case.
Number of Hours: 40
Narc Investigation (ICI)
Course Number: 32650
Course Description
This ICI Foundation Specialty course is designed for peace officers who are currently assigned or will be assigned to investigate major drug investigations. This course is designed to enhance the effectiveness of the individual criminal investigator’s skills in performing the multi-disciplined, multi-leveled tasks necessary to successfully conduct a comprehensive major drug investigation. Instruction in this course is provided through a coordinated, experience-based adult learning approach which addresses a drug overview & physiology, lab update/safety/narcotic labs, fentanyl (opioid) investigations, digital technology, informant management, search warrants, tactical warrant service planning, undercover operations, field operations, criminal interdiction, asset forfeiture and courtroom testimony.
Number of Hours: 80
Robbery Investigation (ICI)
Course Number: 33310
Course Description
This ICI Foundation Specialty course provides investigators with detailed instruction in the broad spectrum of robbery from commercial stores and banks, to street muggings, residential invasions, and the "shakedowns" of youth and adults. The learning opportunities involve the students in examining active cases, analyzing the elements and the evidence, and developing patterns that emerge during a robbery investigation. Each year over half a million robberies are reported to police in the United States. The successful investigation of this pervasive crime involves an understanding of the elements of the crime, the dynamics of the offense, and the characteristics of the offender. It is also critical that investigators formulate and utilize techniques and strategies to obtain vital information from victims, witnesses, and suspects while developing a successful case.
At the conclusion of this course the student/investigator will be able to: interpret and apply laws related to robbery; recognize crime patterns; demonstrate suspect identification techniques; organize and employ tactical planning procedures; and identify and access useful sources of information.
Number of Hours: 40
Sexual Assault Investigation (ICI)
Course Number: 33430
Course Description
This ICI Foundation Specialty course provides investigators with the specialized skills and knowledge necessary to collaboratively, effectively, and objectively conduct investigations unique to sexual assault. This course provides instruction in the ethical challenges specific to sexual assault investigations, types of information that can be recovered using computer forensics, and the SART model. Students will be provided with training on decision making, and flexibility while handling multiple cases as additional information is received and prioritized.
By understanding sexual assault victim dynamics and the common challenges faced by victims in reporting to law enforcement, investigators will be better equipped to cater their investigation with victim issues in mind, thus enhancing the likelihood of victim participation. This training will also provide sexual assault investigators an opportunity to discover the ways in which these types of investigations may impact their professional and personal lives and then assist them in exploring ways to prevent negative impact through healthy coping mechanisms.
At the conclusion of this course the student/investigator will be able to: interpret and apply sexual assault related laws; competently exercise their investigative skills in sexual assault cases to increase the likelihood of successful prosecution under California law; identify the importance of a sexual assault forensic medical examination as an investigative resource; understand victim dynamics and counterintuitive behaviors; and develop specific investigation and interrogation framing based on offender typology.
This course meets the requirements of PC 13516(c) for officers assigned to investigation duties which include the handling of cases involving the sexual exploitation or sexual abuse of children.
Number of Hours: 40
Vehicle Theft Investigation (ICI)
Course Number: 30190
Course Description
This ICI Foundation Specialty course provides investigators with the basic training techniques, skills and information necessary to conduct successful vehicle theft investigations. This course includes instruction on the following topics: VIN 101, Technology, National Insurance Crime Bureau Resources, 10851 Case Preparation and Presentation, Search Warrants, Theft Methods and Trends, In-Depth Vehicle Identification, Cargo Theft & Commercial Vehicles, DMV Resources and Counterfeit Documents, Auto Fraud, Motorcycles, Undercover Operations, Farm and Construction Equipment. This course is delivered through the use of lecture, learning activities, and field exercises.
Number of Hours: 40