There are four items to consider when choosing a crime scene school: education level, equipment, admissions requirements, and faculty. A crime scene school can be part of a larger university or college, or a separate school. The best crime scene schools are affiliated with criminology and law enforcement programs. This combination allows for cross training opportunities and inter-discipline studies.
There are two types of programs in crime scene school: professional criminologist and crime scene technician. The professional criminologist is responsible for managing the crime scene, reviewing and approving the crime scene reports, and making sure that protocol is followed. The crime scene technician is responsible for processing the actual crime scene evidence and working with other staff to analyze the information collected. The program to become a criminologist is four to five years in length, and the program to become a crime scene technologist is two to three years in length.
Selecting the best school should be based on your own goals, achievements, and skill levels. An honest review of your high school marks, level of effort and dedication is a strong indicator to help you decide which school is best for you. Select a school where you will be both challenged and successful.
Look for a crime school with a wide range of equipment available for student use. This includes full- and half-size mannequins, as well as full-size skeleton models. Some programs have mock crime scenes, so students can practice their skills. Check the average class size to ensure you will have ample opportunity to use this equipment.
In order to qualify for admission to crime scene school, you must have high school courses in biology, English, and at least one other science course. The best schools are usually located in a large city. Many schools offer flexible enrollment and part-time courses to help students meet their goals. Select the items that are important to you, and make sure that you find the best school for your needs and goals.
If you are looking at the best crime scene school in the country or state, take note that the admissions standard is higher to reflect the increased demand. These schools often require students to have a combination of high marks and letters of recommendation from former teachers. It is important to note that being in the lowest quarter of your class at the best school does not help either your career or quality of education you are receiving.
Most crime scene schools provide the biographies of their faculty or instructors on their website. The information listed typically includes the academic credentials, work experience, special training, and any awards they have received. Review this information to learn more about your instructions, and think about the different experiences they have had and the knowledge they would be able to share.