Certificate of Achievement in Forensic Crime Scene Investigation

This certificate program is designed to prepare entry-level crime scene response and evidence processing personnel for employment positions such as Crime Scene Technician, Evidence Custodian, Coroner’s Assistant, and Criminal Investigation (Detective). It places significant emphasis on skills, knowledge, and abilities related to evidence identification and recovery, and crime scene processing. The independent study portion of the certificate places qualified students into supervised field internships during which they experience learned principals and procedures firsthand, as well as have the opportunity to network with established professionals working within the careers to which they aspire.

25-30

The courses that make up this program provide the student the basic aspects of criminal investigation specifically focused upon securing and documenting the crime scene, identifying and gathering evidence, and submitting written findings for consideration of the filing of criminal charges. It also involves the in-depth study of the evolution of forensic science and the collection techniques for evidence in a criminal investigation, including specialized forensic techniques for crime scene investigations which include: fingerprint and handwriting examinations; identification of human remains; discovery of trace evidence; and firearms recovery. Students will also be exposed to explanations and predictors for offender behavior in specific types of crimes including classification of offenders, profiling techniques, and the legal aspects of offender behavior. Students will also develop a foundation in the student with ethical standards and guidelines in forensic science as they relate to the criminal case and the investigator.

To qualify for the program, students must complete the following courses: AJ 5: Criminal Investigation (3 units) AJ 172: Criminalistics I (3 units) AJ 173: Criminalistics II (3 units) AJ 174: Offender Profiling in Criminal Investigations (3 units) AJ 285: Independent Study, AJ (2 units) AJ 428: Ethics in Forensic Science (3 units) Total Units: 20

Administration of Justice

Cerritos, Citrus, Compton, El Camino, Glendale, LA City, LA Harbor, LA Mission, LA Pierce, LA Southwest, LA Trade, LA Valley, Long Beach, Mt. San Antonio, Pasadena, Rio Hondo, and West LA

25-30