Criminal Justice: Forensic Investigation

Bob Moschgat
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Social Science Division
(315) 866-0300 or toll free 1-888-GO-4-HCCC, ext. 8430

Instructor Lynton Clark
Criminal Justice Program
(315) 866-0300 or toll free 1-888-GO-4-HCCC, ext. 8609

Program Summary

Forensic investigators are responsible for the professional processing of crime scenes in an attempt to document all facets of a crime, thereby providing a solid framework for the reconstruction of the crime. The investigators will help establish the sequence of events involved in the crime, determine where, when and how the crime was committed, as well as who committed the crime. This program provides students with the necessary career and general coursework and knowledge to secure entry-level positions in public and private investigative agencies and companies. Average annual salaries in New York State range from $22,000 to $32,000. Projected annual statewide job openings through 2006 are 300 new jobs and 1,220 replacement jobs.

Program of Study at Herkimer

• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Criminal Substantive Law
• Criminal Procedure Law
• Introduction to Law Enforcement
• Issues in Law Enforcement
• Police Organization and Management
• Criminal Investigations
• Introduction to Private Security
• Private Security Law
• Practicum in CJ/Private Security
• Constitutional Law/Individual Rights
• Introduction to Sociology
• Ethics and Criminal Justice
• Forensic Photography
• Introduction to Forensic Science
• English
• Introduction to Technical Writing
• Freshman Seminar
• Introduction to Microsoft Word
• Mathematics Elective
• Physical Education

Click Forensic Investigation for the current program of study page.

Skill Requirements

Civil service regulations govern the appointment of police and detectives in practically all state and large city agencies, as well as many smaller ones. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, usually at least 20 years of age, and must meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications. Eligibility for appointment generally depends on performance in competitive written examinations as well as on education and experience. Physical examinations often include tests of vision, hearing, strength, and agility.

Because personal characteristics such as honesty, judgment, integrity, and a sense of responsibility are especially important in law enforcement work, candidates are interviewed by senior officers, and their character traits and background are investigated.

Before their first assignments, officers usually go through a period of training. In state and large local departments, recruits get training in their agency's police academy, often for 12 to 14 weeks. In small agencies, recruits often attend a regional or state academy. Training includes classroom instruction in constitutional law and civil rights, state laws and local ordinances, and accident investigation. Recruits also receive training and supervised experience in patrol, traffic control, use of firearms, self-defense, first aid, and handling emergencies.

Nature of the Work

Forensic investigators are responsible for locating, documenting, marking and collecting physical evidence at a crime scene. They must insure that the chain of custody is maintained. They must properly mark all evidence prior to collection and account for it at all times until a case is solved. Investigators use the collected evidence (fingerprints, shoe impressions, hairs, fibers, body fluids, etc.) to associate persons to the scene of the crime.

Investigators may prepare detailed sketches of the crime scene to augment photographs or videos. Sketches allow the investigator to illustrate the location and relationship of all evidence to the crime scene. Accurate measurements are taken from fixed locations to each piece of evidence so the investigator can provide specific information regarding its location and its relationship to all other evidence collected. Collected evidence is then processed in a forensics laboratory. Investigators may use chemical processing, fluorescent powders, alternate light sources and photography to enhance fingerprint images. Investigators may use the Automated Fingerprint Identification System to identify latent fingerprints.

Job Outlook

The opportunity for public service through law enforcement work is attractive to many. The job is challenging and involves much personal responsibility. Furthermore, in many agencies, law enforcement officers may retire with a pension after 20 or 25 years of service, allowing them to pursue a second career while still in their 40s. Persons having college training in police science, military experience, or both should have the best opportunities. Employment of police personnel and special agents is expected to increase 10 - 20% through the year 2006. A more security-conscious society and concern about drug-related crimes should contribute to the increasing demand for police services. At the local and state levels, growth is likely to continue as long as crime remains a serious concern. Turnover in police and special agent positions is among the lowest of all occupations; nevertheless, the need to replace workers who retire, transfer to other occupations, or stop working for other reasons will be the source of most job openings.