© PHR

Participants learn to examine evidence of a gunshot into a vehicle during a PHR course in crime scenes and evidence documentation in Tallahassee, Florida, June 2007.

© PHR

Students examine bone fragments during a PHR course in the operation of forensic laboratory services held in Fort Worth, Texas in February 2007.

The International Forensic Program at Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) offers courses and training modules in forensic science, human identification, DNA analysis and international forensic investigations. Our online course is open to the public. Annual courses are primarily intended to give human rights workers and investigators an understanding of the importance of  evidence documentation and collection, as well as a well rounded understanding of forensic science in general. Customized training opportunities are available on a case-specific basis to human rights organizations and their investigators.

Online Courses 

International Forensic Death Investigations
(open enrollment, self-guided)

This course provides an introduction to the tools, methodologies, and best practices of human rights death investigation. As an unsupervised training course, it provides visitors with the opportunity to test themselves through automated exams and guide themselves through the different modules at their own pace. It is a valuable resource for those new to the field, particularly in countries where training is not readily available. It provides an overview of forensic, investigative, and legal standards, and addresses best practices in the field, assessment and management of forensic projects, human rights and humanitarian law, and working with families of the missing.  The course is the result of the IFP's involvement in international forensic investigations for over 15 years. It was authored by different forensic specialists who have contributed to the IFP. 
> Register for the course
> I have already registered; take me to the course

Annual Courses

Forensic Laboratory Services & Medical Examiner's Office Operations
(human rights field workers and investigators)

In conjunction with the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office (TCME) and with the support of Texas Wesleyan University, the International Forensic Program offers a two week course on criminalistics in Fort Worth, Texas. The 80-hour course includes lectures by TCME staff on firearms and toolmarks, forensic anthropology, DNA/biological evidence, trace evidence, latent prints, and trauma. The course includes practical exercises in different lab sections as well as attending autopsies.
> Course Description and Application documents
> See a slideshow from the 2007 course

Crime Scenes and Evidence Documentation
(human rights field workers and investigators)

With the support of the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy in Tallahassee, Florida, the International Forensic Program provides a course on crime scene and evidence documentation. This one-week training course is designed for Human Rights field investigators who in their line of work might be confronted with having to document evidence of Human Rights violations as "first responders" to the "crime scene." The objective of the course is for participants to gain an understanding of the essentials of forensic photography and documentation. This understanding enables them as "first responders" to document evidence of Human Rights violations that can be later used by forensic experts.

Spring 2008 Course: April 21 - 25 - see the course description.
To receive more information on the Crime Scenes and Evidence Documentation courses, send us your email address here:   

Customized Training

The International Forensic Program is available for customized training on a case-by-case basis to human rights organizations and their investigators. Training may include forensic science, human identification, DNA analysis and international forensic investigations. Please contact forensics [at] phrusa [dot] org to discuss the needs of your organization, or call us at +617-301-4200, and ask for the Forensics Program.