Press Releases
Setting a New Standard in Scene Integrity Training for First Responders
CAPCE-accredited training designed for real-world conditions—helping responders make clear, defensible decisions under pressure.
- , April 01, 2026
A New Standard in Scene Integrity Training for First Responders
The American Institute of Crime Scene Integrity (AICSI) is advancing a new standard in first responder education—focused on one critical objective: protecting scene integrity from the moment of arrival.
What began with specialized training in Post Mortem Interval (PMI)—helping responders more accurately assess and document time-of-death indicators—quickly revealed a broader gap. First responders are often required to make immediate, high-impact decisions without clear, practical guidance.
“PMI was the entry point,” said Dr. Lewis, DMD, MD, Co-Founder and Medical Director, AICSI. “It exposed a larger issue—responders are making critical decisions early, often without training that reflects real-world conditions. That’s what we set out to change.”
Today, AICSI delivers a CAPCE-accredited, fully online training platform with 37 concise, scenario-based modules built for the realities of the field—not ideal conditions.
Training focuses on:
• Scene integrity and evidence protection from first arrival
• Clear, defensible documentation
• Legal awareness in dynamic environments
• High-risk and sensitive scenes, including overdose, suicide, and medical emergencies
• Post Mortem Interval assessment and its impact on scene interpretation
• Responder wellbeing before, during, and after the call
Unlike traditional models that lean heavily on theory, AICSI training is designed to bridge the gap between protocol and practice—equipping responders to act with clarity and confidence.
Why It Matters Now
As expectations around scene handling, documentation, and legal accountability continue to rise, the margin for error is shrinking. Yet much of the available training remains outdated, overly complex, or disconnected from real-world conditions.
“First responders don’t need more theory—they need training they can apply immediately, under pressure, in unpredictable environments,” said Phil Metz, NRP, FP-C, Co-Founder, AICSI. “When scene integrity is compromised early, you can’t get that back. Getting it right from the start is everything.”
AICSI is built to meet that moment—delivering practical, relevant training that supports consistent, defensible decision-making in the field.
Built for the Field
The program is delivered entirely online, allowing responders to train on their schedule while earning CAPCE-accredited continuing education credits. Agencies can implement training without disrupting operations, while individuals gain full access to a library of immediately applicable content.
About the American Institute of Crime Scene Integrity
The American Institute of Crime Scene Integrity provides CAPCE-accredited online training designed to help first responders protect scene integrity, document effectively, and perform with confidence in real-world conditions.
Its mission is to establish and disseminate uniform, practical guidelines for EMS, fire, and law enforcement personnel to preserve the integrity of crime scenes, potential crime scenes, and unattended death investigations. Through focused educational programs, AICSI supports responders in performing proficiently, competently, professionally, and ethically—while advancing consistent standards for all organizations with a vested interest in maintaining the integrity of scene evidence.
Learn More:
> AICSI History
> AICSI Courses
> AICSI Instructors
Call to Action
First responders and agencies can explore the full training library, including Post Mortem Interval modules, at aicsi.com. Annual subscriptions provide complete access to all 37 courses.
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