The Crime Scene Technology Certificate is designed to prepare students for employment in fields related to crime scene investigation. Those who complete the program will be able to locate, preserve, develop, collect, analyze and present physical evidence relating to the scene of the crime. Students learn the necessary skills to accurately map out, collect and log evidence, develop and preserve fingerprints, write reports, and present courtroom testimony. Typical industry job titles include Crime Scene Technician or Crime Scene Technologist.
The Crime Scene Technology program consists of a 28 credit hour college certificate (major code PSVC CRST) and a two year (60 credit hour) associate in science degree (major code AS CRST). The certificate program is designed to provide technical training and will transfer directly into the Crime Scene Technology Associate in Science degree. As many law enforcement agencies require college degrees prior to employment, students that do not have law enforcement related experience are strongly encouraged to complete the AS degree program. Although many crime scene technicians in Southwest Florida are law enforcement certified, more agencies are beginning to use civilians in this position. Employment opportunities are greatly enhanced by prior experience in a law related field. Salary and job opportunities vary with willingness to relocate.
The core crime scene course schedule is designed for the evening student. Full time students can complete all coursework for the certificate program in one year. In addition to class and laboratory training, upon approval, internship opportunities are available that will allow the student to experience first- hand the job skills required in the field of crime scene investigation.
Florida certified law enforcement and/or corrections officers may qualify for the award of specified courses and elective credit, based on the successful completion of the state exam. Please see the Program Advisor or the Criminal Justice Academy Bridge Program for details.
Contact the Law and Public Service Program Office at (239)-489-9132. Specific program information, including course schedules and degree audit forms, can be found at http://www.edison.edu/academics/certcrimescene/crimescene_cert.php
Continuing Toward a Bachelor’s Degree?
Students intending to continue toward a Bachelor’s degree are encouraged to consult with their transfer school prior to choosing their Associate’s Degree and/or elective coursework. Contact the Edison State College Law and Public Service Program Office at (239)-489-9132, or go to www.edison.edu for current information on Bachelor’s degree partnerships with Edison State College. The Associate in Science degree in Crime Scene Technology transfers directly into the Edison State College Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Public Safety Administration.
Crime Scene Technology Graduates May Earn:
An entry level worker can expect to earn $23,000, while an experienced worker can expect to earn $52,000.
* Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation Labor Market Statistics Center February 2009.
Successful Personal Attributes
- Safety Conscious
- Creative-Innovative
- Detail Oriented/Analytical
- Observant
- Logical
- Confident
- Thorough
- Tolerant
- Strong Ethical Standard
- Inquisitive-Persistent
- Open Minded
- Team Player
- Methodical
- Patient
- Decisive
Program Guidelines:
The nature of crime scene investigation can require physical activity. Students enrolled in the Crime Scene Technology program must be physically able to go into, under, on top of, and through many different environmental scenes as part of their training.
The employment process may include an extensive background investigation. A prior criminal history may strongly inhibit employment opportunities in this field. Potential employers may require some or all of the following criteria as part of the employment process:
- Physical Agility
- Psychological Examination
- Drug Screening
- U.S. Citizenship
- Minimum Age Requirement
- Oral Board Review
- Background Investigation
- Physical Examination
- Credit Check
- Polygraph and/or Voice Stress Analysis
Course Prerequisites: Refer to specific course descriptions listed in this catalog. Core Crime Scene courses are only offered one semester per year.
Program Prerequisites: None
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