Forensic Fire Investigator

The Forensic Fire Investigator Certificate is designed to give graduates a recognized credential that can translate into greater recognition within their respective field. After completing the required courses offered through the Texas Forensic Science Academy, graduates will have an understanding of criminal fire investigation from basic to advanced documentation, evidence collection and processing, procedures for fire death investigation, and effective courtroom testimony.

Required Courses

Foundations of Courtroom Testimony
Foundations of Forensic Photography
Forensic Photography I
Forensic Photography II
Pick one of the following options:
- Forensic Technician OR
- Crime Scene Investigation and Latent Print Processing
Forensic Fire Fatality Investigation
Fire Investigator (NFPA 1033)

Once all courses have been completed, applicants should confirm they meet all certificate requirements using the Forensic Fire Investigator Application and return it to the TEEX Law Enforcement & Protective Services division. Eligibility of each candidate will be reviewed and email notification of decision will be sent.

Note: All courses must be taken within seven (7) years of the date of the application. Only one course from another training provider will be accepted if the curriculum and hours match TEEX curriculum. TEEX will review your course equivalency request and make a determination on a case-by-case basis; additional information may be required from you.

Forensic Fire Investigator

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Funding Options DHS/FEMA Veterans Benefits GSA

Delivery Types Online Face-to-Face Blended Online Instructor-Led

Forensic Fire Investigator

Course Number	Title	Description	Division
FSA100	Forensic Technician	Quick View Course Description close FSA100 – Forensic Technician Physical 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.“ Full course information and schedule Contact Information Institute for Law Enforcement and Protective Services Excellence Phone: (979) 845-6677 Email: ilepse@teex.tamu.edu	ILEPSE
FSA101	Forensic Photography I	Quick View Course Description close FSA101 – Forensic Photography I Capturing evidence and documenting the crime scene through skilled photography techniques is crucial to a proper criminal investigation. This course will address the basic concepts of photography and their application to professional crime scene documentation. Course instruction will be through lecture, case review, and practical exercises. This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Forensic Photography Course #40053. Participant Testimonials: “I feel much more comfortable and confident with my camera and the knowledge I’ve obtained will help tremendously in the field.“ “I knew nothing of the camera I came in with other than to shoot in ‘auto’ mode. I can now use the camera correctly and efficiently.“ Full course information and schedule Contact Information Institute for Law Enforcement and Protective Services Excellence Phone: (979) 845-6677 Email: ilepse@teex.tamu.edu	ILEPSE
FSA112	Forensic Photography II	Quick View Course Description close FSA112 – Forensic Photography II Once an investigator has mastered basic forensic photography, there are advanced skills and techniques that can allow for greater effectiveness in documenting crime scenes and physical evidence. Participants will learn photographic techniques such as low light/nighttime, ultraviolet, infrared, and laser photography. Course instruction is through lecture, case review, and application exercises. This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Forensic Photography II Course #40054. Participant Testimonials: “15 years CSI and still learned many new techniques.“ “They had great hands-on activities and materials which aided in the learning process for this course.“ Full course information and schedule Contact Information Institute for Law Enforcement and Protective Services Excellence Phone: (979) 845-6677 Email: ilepse@teex.tamu.edu	ILEPSE
FSA116	Foundations of Forensic Photography	Quick View Course Description close FSA116 – Foundations of Forensic Photography Photography is a critical element in the documentation of criminal investigations. This course addresses the basic concepts of photography and their application to professional investigative documentation. For the final project, participants have the opportunity to capture photographs at a simulated crime scene, acting in the traditional role of an investigator for the case. This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Foundations of Forensic Photography course #667369. Full course information and schedule Contact Information Institute for Law Enforcement and Protective Services Excellence Phone: (979) 845-6677 Email: ilepse@teex.tamu.edu	ILEPSE
FSA117	Forensic Fire Fatality Investigation	Quick View Course Description close FSA117 – Forensic Fire Fatality Investigation This unique course provides participants the opportunity for hands-on, science-based investigative fire death training utilizing live-burn training aids. Instruction will be on proper systematic processes for crime scene management from the initial scene approach through data collection, documentation, and evidence collection. This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Forensic Fire Fatality Investigation Course #40064. Full course information and schedule Contact Information Institute for Law Enforcement and Protective Services Excellence Phone: (979) 845-6677 Email: ilepse@teex.tamu.edu	ILEPSE
FSA118	Foundations of Courtroom Testimony	Quick View Course Description close FSA118 – Foundations of Courtroom Testimony Those who conduct investigations or deal with evidence are expected to testify as expert witnesses. This means they must establish credibility the moment they enter the courtroom and proceed to the witness stand to present their testimony. This course provides participants with an understanding of the basic factors that create effective courtroom testimony. This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Courtroom Testimony course #40065. This course, along with the 24-hour Face-to-Face FSA119 Courtroom Testimony Practical Applications, will meet the 40-hour Courtroom Testimony requirement for multiple Texas Forensic Science Academy Certificate Programs. Full course information and schedule Contact Information Institute for Law Enforcement and Protective Services Excellence Phone: (979) 845-6677 Email: ilepse@teex.tamu.edu	ILEPSE
FSA119	Courtroom Testimony Practical Applications	Quick View Course Description close FSA119 – Courtroom Testimony Practical Applications Crime scene investigators and peace officers are expected to be expert witnesses. To be perceived as experts, they must establish credibility from the moment they enter the courtroom and proceed to the witness stand to present their testimony. This course provides participants with practical activities to develop and enhance their ability to give effective courtroom testimony. Activities include communication skills evaluations, presenting expert witness credentials, and mock testimony in a simulated courtroom. This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Courtroom Testimony Course #40067. Full course information and schedule Contact Information Institute for Law Enforcement and Protective Services Excellence Phone: (979) 845-6677 Email: ilepse@teex.tamu.edu	ILEPSE
INV100	Fire Investigator Phase I	Quick View Course Description close INV100 – Fire Investigator Phase I This course satisfies a portion of the job performance requirements as described in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1033, Standard for Fire Investigator Professional Qualifications. This is the first of three courses for those seeking certification through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) or State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association (SFFMA). Participants must complete all three courses to be eligible for TCFP or SFFMA. This class does NOT offer Pro Board certification. Full course information and schedule Contact Information Phone: Email: annualschool@teex.tamu.edu	ESTI