UNIVERSITY PARK | The popularity of the CSI television shows highlights the fascination that the general public has with forensics, the gathering and analysis of evidence. In these shows, viewers may see a crime solved by a fingerprint, a single strand of hair, or the imprint of a shoe.

Governors State University's recently established Center for Law Enforcement Technology Collaboration will offer a new course in forensic photography during the upcoming fall trimester. The course will focus on the importance of collecting photographic evidence correctly and effectively from a crime scene.

"Forensic photography is a tool in forensic science aiding in investigation and prosecution," said Tim Eley, the course instructor, in a news release. Eley, a former FBI special investigator, was trained as a member of the Evidence Response Team in Chicago for more than 10 years.

In the new course, students will learn how to take photographs and how to testify about what the photographs show in court.

"The integrity of the photograph is very important," Eley said. "Crime scene photographers do not interpret evidence. They establish its validity. They must be able to say this is the way the evidence was found, that it was not doctored or manipulated."

Hands-on coursework will cover several facets including different types of crime scene photography and the correct way to document photographs. Students will learn how to correctly use the camera equipment. They will practice night photography and take photographs of latent fingerprints, footprints and tire impressions. A field trip to the morgue will enable students to learn how to photograph the different stages of an autopsy and victims of violent crimes. Guest lecturers will discuss evidence gathering techniques, interview techniques and profiling.

Cheryl Chamberlain, coordinator of the Kankakee Sexual Assault Multi-Disciplinary Team, said that professionals responding to instances of sexual assault need forensic photography skills. "A nurse or physician well trained in collection and documentation of forensic evidence will aid the victim in physical and emotional healing by responding to the victim in a less traumatic way. They will also be better prepared to testify in court on behalf of that victim."

For more information about this course and related programs, call (708) 534-4010 or visit www.govst.edu/cas.

- THE TIMES