The Crime Scene Technology program is designed to prepare students for employment in fields related to crime scene investigation. Students 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, Crime Scene Technologist, and Crime Scene Investigator.
The 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 Associates in Science Degree. Many law enforcement agencies require college degrees prior to employment, and students who do not have law enforcement related experience are strongly encouraged to complete the AS degree. Although most crime scene technicians in Southwest Florida are law enforcement certified, more agencies are beginning to use civilians in these positions. 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 in two years. 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.
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, as well as any public Florida college or university’s Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. For additional information on Transfer Services, contact the department at 239-489-9132.
Crime Scene Graduates May Earn:
An entry level worker can expect to earn $23,000 while an experienced worker can expect to earn $52,000.*
There are approximately 50 annual openings in Edison State’s service district.**
* Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation Labor Market Statistics Center February 2009.
** 2008-09 Regional Targeted Occupational List Retrieved from Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation.
Program Highlights:
- 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
- Drug Screening
- Physical Examination
- Credit Check
- Polygraph and/or Voice Stress Analysis
- Background
- Oral Board Review
- Psychological
- U.S. Citizenship
- Minimum Age Requirement
Successful Personal Attributes:
- Safety Conscious
- Methodical
- Confident
- Team Player
- Tolerant
- Open-minded
- Creative/Innovative Oriented/Analytical
- Strong Ethical Standard
- Observant
- Thorough
- Decisive
- Patient
- Inquisitive/Persistent
- Logical
- Detail
Contact Information:
Law and Public Service Programs Office (239) 489-9132
http://www.edison.edu/academics/ascrimescene/crimescene.php
Program Prerequisites:
None
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