Effective Field Notes for Investigators

Content Integrity and Continuing Education Credits

Acknowledgment: Content Integrity and Continuing Education Credits

Welcome to your new course

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Presentation Slide Handouts

Effective Field Notes (17 minutes)

Framework of Effective Field Notes (11 minutes)

Proper Documentation in Field Notes (16 minutes)

Effective Field Note Methods (8 minutes)

Common Mistakes In Field Notes (5 minutes)

Proof Of Watch

Quiz

Investigative Notes Quick Reference Guide

Investigative Notes Infographic

Death Scene Worksheet - Options and Examples

Missouri Law Enforcement CLEE Request

Accredited Training

Expert Instructors

Multi-Platform Compatible

Learning Points

This course focuses on practical documentation skills that support accurate and defensible death investigations. Students will learn how effective field notes preserve critical observations, document investigative actions, and support clear final reports. The following key learning points outline the core skills investigators will gain during this training.

Understand the purpose and legal importance of investigative field notes.
Learn the Observe → Record → Verify framework for consistent documentation.
Identify essential information that must be documented at death scenes
Properly document follow-up investigative actions after leaving the scene
Recognize the limitations of relying on body-worn cameras instead of written notes

Instructor

Instructor Bio:

Darren Dake is a nationally recognized expert in medicolegal death investigation with decades of experience in law enforcement and coroner operations. He is the founder of the Death Investigation Training Academy and host of the Coroner Talk podcast, providing accredited education to coroners, medical examiners, and law enforcement professionals nationwide. Darren’s instruction focuses on evidence-based practice, investigative integrity, and accurate determination of cause and manner of death. Known for his practical and disciplined approach, he continues to elevate professional standards through teaching, consultation, and ongoing fieldwork in death investigation.

Darren Dake, D-ABMDI, CI, CCI

Senior Instructor

[email protected]

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