Crime Scene Investigation Certificate

The 18-unit certificate in Crime Scene Investigation offers instruction in the areas of crime scene processing and documentation, evidence preservation, fingerprints, photography, report writing, and legal issues relating to physical evidence. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students desiring an entry-level, civilian position working crime scenes or handling evidence, or enhancing the credentials of police officers in order to join a sworn CSI unit. Students may earn the certificate as a stand-alone credential or as part of their Associate of Science degree in Administration of Justice. 

Program Learning Outcomes:

·       Apply knowledge of sequential fingerprintdevelopment techniques for porous and non-porous surfaces.

·       Display foundational knowledge in the historyand sub-disciplines of forensic science, the structure and organization ofcrime labs and crime scene units, and the analytical processes and proceduresused on forensic evidence.

·       Articulate a realistic perspective of the fieldof forensic science and crime scene investigation, including the roles offorensic and investigative personnel, their separate duties and how they worktogether, the nature of the work, its limits, challenges, and successes.

·       Write clear, correct, detailed, descriptive,and effective reports.

·       Apply critical thinking, logic, and thescientific method to investigating crime scenes.

·       Demonstrate practical skills and competence in recognizing, documenting, collecting, and preserving evidence at a variety of crime scenes. 

The projected number of annual completers for the Crime Scene Investigation certificate is 5-10 students.  This estimate is based on the enrollment data for the required courses shown in the table below.

		AY 16-17	AY 16-17	AY 17-18	AY 17-18
Dept. & Course #	Course Name	Annual Enrollment	Annual # Successful Completers	Annual Enrollment	Annual # Successful Completers
ADMJ 52	Concepts of Criminal Law	156	116	159	134*
ADMJ 57	Intro. to ADMJ	203	175	199	147*
ADMJ 63	Fingerprints	18	15	15	12
ADMJ 66	Forensic Evidence	22	20	60	41
ADMJ 68	Report Writing	0	0	15	15
ADMJ 69	Crime Scene Doc.	0	0	15	12
			326		361

Notes:

* Does not include summer 2018 totals

ADMJ 69 is a new course as of fall 2017. 

ADMJ 66 is now offered both fully online and in person. Enrollment has increased with online offerings. 

ADMJ 57 and 68 will soon be offered both online and in person. Enrollment is expected to increase.

As of fall 2019, ADMJ 52, 57, and 68 are required courses in the ADMJ major; enrollment in these courses is expected to increase. 

The goal of the Crime Scene Investigation certificate is to provide students with foundational knowledge and skills required to effectively document and process crime scenes. Students who complete the curriculum satisfactorily may be qualified to take civil service examinations for entry-level employment with state, county, city and private agencies for civilian positions such as forensic technician, forensic specialist, crime scene specialist, crime scene investigator, crime scene photographer, evidence technician, or evidence specialist.  

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
ADMJ 52	Concepts of Criminal Law	3	S1 or S2
ADMJ 57	Intro to ADMJ	3	S1 or S2
ADMJ 63	Fingerprints	3	S1
ADMJ 66	Forensic Evidence	3	S1 or S2
ADMJ 68	CJ Report Writing	3	S1 or S2
ADMJ 69	Crime Scene Documentation	3	S1

Minimum time of completion is two semesters. Many of the required classes are offered in both spring and fall (and also summer). We are developing some courses for online delivery (52, 57, 68), which will provide students with more flexibility as well. 66 is already offered online

N/A

Diablo Valley College has a Crime Scene Investigator certificate. I contacted Matthew Morrissey by phone on 1/15/19. He told me that he did not anticipate any impact to his program from ours.