Forensic Technician

FSA100 – 80.00 Hours

Currently there are no scheduled classes for this course. However, in some cases a course can be scheduled to meet your organization’s specific needs. For more information about this course or to schedule a class, please contact Law Enforcement and Protective Services at (800) 423-8433 or [email protected] to get the latest schedule.

Course Description

Forensic TechnicianPhysical evidence collected at the scene of a crime is often the single most critical element in criminal prosecution and conviction. This course provides participants with information, techniques, and methods for conducting crime scene investigations and processing crime scene evidence. Course instruction is through lecture and case review with emphasis on practical laboratory application, scenario-based practical application, and proper photography techniques.

This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Forensic Technician Course #40052 and Intermediate Crime Scene Search #2106.

Participant Testimonials:

  • “I have never had better hands on instruction. This was the best course I have ever taken. [I] should have completed the course years ago.“
  • “This class not only met my expectations but exceeded them. I look forward to returning to work and applying what I have learned now.“

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Enrollment Requirements

Participants enrolling in this course must meet one of the following employment statuses. Please ensure the affiliation on your student account reflects one of the following:

  • Licensed or certified peace officer with a current commission employed by or attached to a law enforcement/investigative agency
  • Civilian employed by a law enforcement/investigative agency conducting investigative tasks or duties
  • Nurse employed by a medical facility tasked with conducting forensic examinations

Participants will be contacted via email to confirm approval and admittance into the course.

Course Completion Requirements

Participant Must Provide

  • A photo identification on the first day of class. See the Participant Handbook for approved forms of identification and additional guidelines.
  • Laptop or tablet
  • Camera (pick one of the following)
    • Digital SLR
    • Mirrorless

Note: A phone is not considered a sufficient replacement for a laptop or tablet for this class.

Attendance Requirements

Class attendance is an essential part of the education process, and participants in TEEX courses are expected to attend all class sessions and field exercises. The course requires participants to attend a minimum of 100% of the class hours as a component of successful course completion. During the course, your instructor will review any additional attendance requirement, for example a field exercise that cannot be missed.

In some cases, make-up work will not be available (due to equipment/facility needs and/or safety/teamwork components or activity setup/facilitation/requirements).

Participants in a TCOLE credit eligible course must complete the class in its entirety to receive a TEEX Certificate of Completion and be reported for TCOLE credit.

If you have additional questions, please refer to the TEEX Participant Handbook.

Prior Training Courses or Knowledge

Participant May Bring:

  • Tripod
  • Camera cable release
  • Macro lens or diopters
  • Camera instruction manual
  • Laptop computer or photo card reader (for photo review)

Course Attire / PPE

  • Participants will conduct field exercises and processing activities throughout the course and are encouraged to dress appropriately by wearing comfortable clothing.

Upon successful completion, you will be able to:

  • Crime scene searches and legality
  • Crime scene investigative phases
  • Crime scene photography techniques
  • Types and elements of crime scene sketching
  • Evidence collection, packaging, and preservation
  • DNA evidence
  • Investigative techniques for specific types of crime scenes
  • Electronic evidence
  • Fingerprint evidence and collection techniques
  • Powder processing of fingerprint evidence
  • Processing fingerprints on difficult surfaces
  • Fingerprint processing with chemicals, dyes, and non-powder processes
  • Processing blood prints
  • Simulated crime scene investigation

Suggested Audience

  • Law enforcement and non-commissioned personnel assigned to investigative tasks and duties such as crime scene investigators, fire investigators, detectives, medicolegal death investigators, patrol officers, corrections officers and forensic nurses

Continuing Education And Professional Credits

Note: Live Online Instructor-Led (webinar) courses are not eligible for TCOLE credit.

  • 4.00 hours – American Council on Education (ACE)
  • 80.00 hours – Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE)
  • International Association of Identification (IAI)

Other Information

International Association for Identification

You are responsible for contacting International Association for Identification (IAI) after successfully completing the TEEX course to submit the necessary documentation for your desired certification. IAI credit hours are currently available for the following credits:

  • Crime Scene Certification (issued 3/14/2024), Initial (80 hrs) or Recertification (80 hrs),
  • Forensic Photography Certification (issued 3/19/2024), Initial (80 hrs) or Recertification (80 hrs), and
  • Latent Print Certification (issued 3/26/2024), Initial (36 hrs).

Contact Information

Law Enforcement and Protective Services
Phone: (979) 845-6677 | Toll-Free: (800) 423-8433
Email: [email protected]

Payment Info

  • Credit Card – Complete online registration or call (979) 845-6677
  • Purchase Order – Complete registration form and send to [email protected] or fax to (877) 289-9715
  • Check – Complete registration form and mail to: TEEX – LAW, P.O. Box 40006, College Station, TX 77842