Crime Scene Technician Certificate (605)

Award: Certificate

Program Mission: The Chesapeake College Criminal Justice—Crime Scene Technician Certificate prepares students for entry-level employment or advancement in the field of crime scene investigation. The program was developed and is maintained in accordance with the Maryland State Police crime scene investigation standards and protocols. The certificate is designed so that students may progress to the Criminal Justice Crime Scene Technician Degree option.

Program Description: The Crime Scene Technician Certificate program provides a broad foundation which will help prepare the student for entry-level employment or advancement in the field of crime scene investigation. The curriculum includes discussion of the criminal motives associated with particular crimes, courtroom presentation, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of the crime scene technician. Note: Completion of this program is not a prerequisite for entry into a police academy nor does it provide complete entry-level training for work as a county or state police officer. Students should consult with the College’s Admissions Office or an academic advisor in planning an appropriate program.

Program Goals: The Criminal Justice—Crime Scene Certificate program will:

• Prepare students for the detection, collection, preservation and transportation of evidence.
• Prepare students in areas such as law enforcement and criminal justice, law enforcement administration, police operations, criminology, criminal investigation, criminal evidence and procedures, and criminalistics.
• Prepare students for employment in crime scene investigation professions or for further study in the field.

Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Analyze the relationship of science and the law in the concept of justice.
• Apply the principles of forensic science with crime scene investigation techniques.
• Employ the tools and skills necessary to detect, collect, and preserve evidence, and crime scene security.
• Examine the evidentiary value of serology, entomology, photography, questioned documents, latent fingerprint examination, blood stain patterns, and firearms.

Contact Person: Mr. Terry Alston

This program has been approved for funding under the Workforce Investment Act. For more information, contact the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board at: 410-822-1716.