LEVA Menu Welcome to LEVA International, Inc. Log In LEVA Certification Program Current Certification Committee Members JJ Ruano (Chair) Scott Olar (Deputy Chair/Mentoring) Stacey Bailey Erik Griffin Mark Porter Derek Williams Graduates of the “Level 1: Forensic Video Analysis & the Law” course can apply to enter the Forensic Video Analyst Certification program. ALL LEVA CFVAs and CFVTs must maintain a yearly concurrent membership as a requirement of certification. Failure to maintain an active membership may result in a suspension of certification and potential revocation. IF your membership expired prior to Dec. 31, 2019, please contact LEVA’s Executive Secretary Susan Krawczyk execsec@leva.org before processing your membership renewal online. NOTEWORTHY: LEVA offers two levels of certification for forensic video analysts: Certified Forensic Video Analyst (CFVA) and Certified Forensic Video Technician (CFVT). Basic distinctions: A Certified Forensic Video Analyst (CFVA) is one who has performed video evidence processing for at least two years, meets the electives requirements and successfully completes the LEVA courses Level 1 “Forensic Video Analysis & the Law”, Level 2 “Digital Multimedia Evidence Processing, Level 3 “Photographic / Video Comparison” and Level 4 “Advanced Forensic Video Analysis & the Law” core courses within a six-year period. This track is designed for certification of individuals who process video and still imagery, perform full analysis and present opinion testimony on that evidence in court. A Certified Forensic Video Technician (CFVT) is one who has performed video evidence processing for at least one year and successfully completes the Level 1 and Level 2 core courses within a three-year period. This track is designed for certification of individuals who process video and still imagery but do not perform full analysis. For further details please see the PDF forms listed under the “Certification” tab of our main menu. LEVA has provided forensic video analysis training since 2000. It is widely recognized as the global standard for this specialized instruction. In 2002, the core instruction team of LEVA’s “Forensic Video Analysis and the Law” course established the groundwork for the first of its type certification program. “Most agencies limit their video technicians to simple enhancement tasks,” cites Grant Fredericks, a pioneer in forensic video analysis and principal architect of LEVA’s certification program. He adds, “…and they rarely go further than crude attempts at image clarification.” He concludes that, “Such a narrow approach to the science of forensic video analysis severely limits their potential impact on important investigations.” Fredericks says, “LEVA’s Certification Program establishes an important foundation for minimum standards and provides analysts with the tools and experience to ensure agencies they are getting the most value out of their video evidence.” Digital forensic video analysis and multimedia evidence processing are still relatively new when compared to the nearly century old tradition that still photography has enjoyed in the courts. LEVA legal instructor and attorney Jonathan Hak said, “As with all ‘new’ sciences, the courts must be satisfied that the science is technically sound and that the witness using the science is properly qualified.” He says, “LEVA’s Certification Program assists in further establishing the legitimacy of forensic video analysis and will help to ensure a positive reception of the analyst’s evidence in court.” Hak asserts, “Certification is an important objective standard by which to judge the competence of analysts.” That competence will indeed be earned. There are formidable educational hurdles. Once all requirements are met, the candidate meets the LEVA Certification Committee which poses questions to the candidate regarding a case submission. Once passed, the person is certified by LEVA as a Forensic Video Analyst. The certification must be renewed every three years. There’s also an annual review of the analyst’s curriculum vitae (CV). A key component is the Code of Ethics designed especially for this program. Applicants must affirm they will adhere to that Code when in the certification process and while certified as an analyst. Please direct any questions regarding the Certification program to Roger Cain, LEVA Certification Program Manager, certification@leva.org. LEVA International, Inc. Training & Professional Certification! LEVA is widely recognized as the global standard in forensic video training and certification! >>More about our training<< >>More about our certification program<< LEVA Training: Taking It To the World! Established in 1989, LEVA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation committed to provide advanced training and certification in the science of forensic video analysis. LEVA serves as a key resource providing opportunities for professional development through quality training and informational exchange. Contact Us LEVA International, Inc. Contact Form 84 Briar Creek Road Whitesboro, Texas 76273 Phone: 469-285-9435 Email: execsec@leva.org Contact Form Upcoming Training JAN 10 ON-LINE: Courtroom Testimony for Expert Witnesses Course JAN 24 ONLINE !! LEVA Level 3: The Principles of Forensic Video/Image Compare and Contrast MAR 14 IN-PERSON: Forensic Audio Fundamentals – Hear and How: Kansas City, MO Pay Securely Online We accept the following major credit cards: Pay your membership dues securely online: CLICK HERE Contact Us LEVA International, Inc. 84 Briar Creek Road Whitesboro, Texas 76273 Phone: 469-285-9435 Copyright © 2021. LEVA International, Inc.. All rights reserved. Home About Us News Join Privacy Policy