Criminal Justice Technology - Forensic Science, A.A.S. (A5518C)

This Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is a two-year program that prepares students for the workforce. However, there are some senior institutions where all or part of this degree is accepted as the first two years of a four-year program.  Students interested in pursuing a four-year degree should consult an advisor.

Latent Evidence is a concentration under the curriculum of Criminal Justice Technology. This curriculum is designed to provide knowledge of latent evidence systems and operations. Study will focus on local, state, and federal law enforcement, evidence processing and procedures.

Students will learn both theory and hands-on analysis of latent evidence. They will learn fingerprint classification, identification, and chemical development. Students will record, cast, and recognize footwear and tire-tracks; and process crime scenes. Issues and concepts of communications and the use of computers and computer assisted design programs in crime scene technology will be discussed.

Graduates should qualify for employment in a variety of criminal justice organizations especially in local, state, and federal law enforcement, and correctional agencies.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

1. Identify the roles and interrelationships between the principal components of the criminal justice system (law enforcement, the courts, parole, juvenile justice system, and corrections).
2. Describe criminal law and the elements of various crimes.
3. Interpret the constitutional rights of those accused of crimes and the related restrictions on law enforcement.
4. Identify investigation procedures and techniques utilized in the criminal justice system.
5. Complete a search warrant application and seized item inventory.
6. Demonstrate proper crime scene techniques in the securing, searching, handling, collection, and preservation of evidence.