COLLEGE STATION, TX – Four women graduated December 10, 2020, from the Collegiate Technical Investigation Skills Program.
“These students were able to get training in one semester that would typically take professionals three – four years to complete. Once they exit this program they are ready to work. They can enter the door, be sent out on a scene and they can process it. It is an incredible opportunity for students,” says Christine Ramirez, Training Manager of the TEEX Texas Forensic Science Academy.
This dual program is a collaboration between TEEX and Blinn College where these students enrolled in Blinn’s Criminal Justice technology degree plan completed 272 hours of technical training skills at TEEX Texas Forensic Science Academy. Upon successful completion of the course, they also received 18 college credit hours from Blinn College and were awarded a Blinn College Forensic Science Certificate as well as the TEEX Forensic Investigation and Evidence Management Certificate.
Robert Stanberry, Blinn College District Criminal Justice Program Coordinator, said, “The reason that this class is so exciting is the fact that it is so hands-on. They learn so many skills through scientific means, through analysis and critical thinking. These skills can be used throughout their entire career as well as their lives. You won’t just hear about forensic investigation, you will participate in forensic investigation.”
When asked how this training would affect the community, Ramirez said, “The students are learning a very specific set of technical skills. When they are called out, it is because someone is in need. Regardless of the type of crime, it’s still very important to the person it has affected. So what our graduates are able to do is go out and help people. They will help people get their property back– with the assistance of the detectives. When it comes to events like death investigations, our graduates have the ability to speak for those who no longer speak for themselves. That is impactful.”
“This program appeals to many different types of students. It includes those interested in the science of evidence and students who like problem solving and asking themselves the question, “What happened,” and being able to prove what happened to solve the case.” Stanberry said.
The four women receiving the certification are Elaine Eakin from Killeen, TX; Brianna Edwards from Bryan, TX; Kamryn Fulton from Bryan, TX, and India Hickman from Dallas, TX.
Application for CTISP is online through the TEEX Student Portal via FIV150 Collegiate Technical Investigation Skills. A Federal Criminal History Background Check must be submitted as part of the application process.
About TEEX Texas Forensic Science Academy
The TEEX Texas Forensic Science Academy has provided investigation training to law enforcement officers and non-commissioned personnel responsible for investigations of crime since 2009. The goal of this science-based training is to increase the effectiveness of crime scene investigations by providing cutting edge technology and hands-on field exercises to include the proper documentation, collection, packaging, storage and analysis of physical evidence. To date, more than 26,000 students have been trained through the Academy; those students have been from all 50 U.S. states and 36 countries around the world. Courses of the Collegiate Technical Investigation Skills Program (CTISP) are taught at The Texas A&M University System’s RELLIS Campus.
About Blinn College
Blinn’s role in the partnership is spearheaded by its Criminal Justice Program. With traditional classroom or online tracks available, Blinn offers Associate of Arts, Associate of Applied Science, and Law Enforcement Technology degrees in criminal justice, as well as Criminal Justice Corrections and Basic Peace Officer certificates and Occupational Skills Awards in Criminal Justice and Judicial Practices. Contact [email protected] or 979-209-7399 for any questions you may have about registering at Blinn or getting signed up for the one Blinn course.
As students of Blinn College, those who enter this program do have the opportunity to apply for and attain funding. We would encourage you to contact the Blinn College Financial Aid Office.
Video Clip: https://youtu.be/9MPJ5kLfJ4w