NCJ Number
195238
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Education Volume: 13 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 2002 Pages: 113-127
Date Published
2002
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This paper provides an overview of the development of a college-level degree program that will prepare individuals for careers as crime scene technicians, thus giving faculty a basis for advising students about this career option.
Abstract
A program that may serve as a model for other institutions considering implementation of a crime scene technology program is now being offered at St. Petersburg Junior College in St. Petersburg, Florida. This institution offers a 2-year associate of science degree program in crime scene technology. In addition, students can opt to enter a certification program and complete only the 10 courses within the crime scene technology major. The program, which is in its fourth year of operation, seeks to educate and train future crime scene technicians, assist in professionalizing the crime scene technology field, and provide increased credibility for those technicians who successfully complete the program. The positive results of a needs assessment as well as the lack of formalized training for crime scene technicians encouraged the college to pursue development of the program. The college sought predominantly adjunct faculty members who had specific expertise in the forensic sciences. All adjunct faculty hired to instruct in the program are required to have at least an associate's degree. Further, instructors are required to have field experience related to the course in the program they are teaching. Since the program is still in its infancy, only one full-time faculty member is currently employed. This person acts as the program's coordinator, handles student advising needs, schedules courses, selects adjunct faculty, and instructs in the program. This paper also describes the facilities and equipment needs and evaluation of students' performance. This crime scene technicians program has already been well received by law enforcement agencies that are seeking individuals for employment as technicians. In addition, the college has observed an increase of in-service police officers and crime scene technicians enrolled in the program to both upgrade their skills and obtain a college degree. 29 references and appended course descriptions and a list of basic facility and equipment needs for a crime scene technology program