NCIS Major Case Response Team Basic Training Program Earns FLETA Accreditation

12 June 2025

QUANTICO, Va. – The NCIS Major Case Response Team Basic Training Program, hosted by the Office of Forensic Support’s Pacific Forensic Training Center, has officially earned accreditation from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation Board as of May 15.

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NCIS personnel conduct a forensic dig.

The 24-hour program, conducted over three days at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, combines classroom instruction with hands-on crime scene scenarios, including mock death scenes and simulated evidence. The training is designed to standardize crime scene response practices and equip NCIS personnel with foundational skills in notetaking, sketching, photography, human remains documentation, and crime scene report writing—each guided by NCIS policy and forensic procedures.

The program fills an increasingly critical opportunity for agents to gain field-ready investigative skills early in their careers. The program is strongly recommended for agents currently serving or seeking to serve on an MCRT. Completion of the program also prepares agents to apply for certification through the International Association for Identification, a nationally recognized professional organization that certifies forensic professionals in crime scene analysis.

“Accreditation validates the rigor and professionalism of this program,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Erin Michaels of the NCIS Office of Forensic Support. “It reflects the detailed curriculum design, the realism of our mock scenes, and the dedication of our instructors to ensure agents are prepared for the complex scenes they encounter in the field.”

FLETA accreditation is a voluntary peer review process renewed every five years. The accreditation board evaluates programs on instructional design, policy compliance, staff qualifications, and overall program administration.

With the recent addition of two dedicated forensic instructor positions, the Office of Forensic Support plans to continue expanding NCIS training offerings—ensuring best practices, science-based methodologies, and standardized instruction remain central to the agency’s readiness.

“We are grateful for the continued support from the NCIS Criminal Investigations and Operations Directorate and leadership across the agency,” Michaels added. “We’re excited to keep evolving this program and develop new courses to meet future operational challenges.”

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