Cost: $100

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily

This five-day Criminal Investigation course is designed for patrol officers and investigators of all levels of experience and focuses on everyday issues investigators face while conducting all types of criminal investigations. The course offers insight into the qualities of a good investigator, different types, strengths and uses of evidence, case management and case preparation from beginning to end, the importance of and obtaining witness statements, eyewitness identification methods, and legal issues associated with crime scene searches. Strategies for investigating different types of crimes are presented and Forensic sections focus on injury and death investigation, autopsy, cause and manner of death, time of death considerations, blunt force trauma, incised and stabbing wounds, asphyxiation deaths, and a discussion of DNA and trace evidence uses. A detailed analysis of obtaining arrest and search warrants, grand jury subpoenas and records is included, along with juvenile law considerations in criminal investigations. The importance of confessions, interrogation techniques and interrogation case law are discussed, and the course concludes with the importance of investigative report writing and effective courtroom testimony strategies.

The instructor, Lt. Butch Matjeka, has been teaching issues in criminal law for over 35 years and is a 46-year law enforcement veteran currently serving as the Criminal Investigation Lieutenant with the Kendall County Sheriff's Office. Lt. Matjeka retired from the San Antonio Police Department after 34 years of service and served on Patrol, was the lead instructor for all criminal law courses at the SAPD Training Academy and spent ten and a half years as a murder detective and six and a half years as a Homicide Unit sergeant and served as the lead investigator in officer involved shooting cases. Lt. Matjeka also served as an investigator with the Bexar County District Attorney's Office for two years prior to his assignment with the Kendall County Sheriff's Office.

Payment/Cancellation/Refund Policy

Payment by credit card should be made at the time of registration. Payment by check should be received before the class date, however payment by check or cash may be made at the beginning of class.

Cancellations should be made as soon as possible in order to allow those students on a waiting list time to register and pay for the class. Cancellations made two weeks prior to class will be eligible for a refund. Cash, Check and credit card payments are refundable, however convenience fees associated with credit card payments are non-refundable.

We understand situations arise where cancellation is necessary. However, repeated cancellations may affect future attendance in other classes.