Training for evidence collection jobs can be found at accredited colleges or through professional training and consulting firms. A degree in criminalistics or related fields is desirable, and larger agencies are more likely to employ crime scene technicians. Care must be taken when seeking certification from specialized schools. Graduates can find employment in law enforcement agencies, crime labs, or private and corporate positions. Evidence training is provided to sworn personnel during initial instruction, and additional education can be obtained through outside training companies or higher jurisdiction facilities.
There are programs for people who want to get a job in evidence collection, but the job market is limited by the size of the agency. Many employers require crime scene technicians to be sworn in, but some larger police departments do not. When seeking training in independent evidence, it is best to look for courses at an accredited college or university. For those working as law enforcement, professional training and consulting firms offer evidence training classes through their respective agencies.
Those seeking a position within a law enforcement agency will likely need a degree from an accredited university in criminalistics or a related field. A degree in photography, forensic sciences, and physical sciences such as biology or chemistry is desirable. Evidence training workshops will likely be provided to entry-level technicians or new hires. Any law enforcement experience will give the candidate an edge in the hiring process. Larger agencies are generally much more likely to employ crime scene technicians.
Sometimes job seekers find training at specialized schools to obtain certification. Care must be taken to avoid paying for an expensive course that does not offer real credentials. Schools that promise easy distance education, shortened programs, guaranteed job placement, or are difficult to research should be avoided. A good program offers thorough review of courses by qualified faculty, as well as scientific literacy and research qualifications.
Graduates who have completed a legitimate evidence training course can find employment in law enforcement agencies, crime labs, or in private and corporate positions. Those working in the field can apply for voluntary certification from the International Association for Property and Evidence (IAPE). Two certificates are available, one for law enforcement and one for private sector personnel. Membership and at least one year of evidence processing employment plus completion of the IAPE Property and Evidence Management training class is required to earn certification.
Most police departments and federal agencies with crime scene units will provide evidence training for sworn personnel during the initial instruction period. If the officer is assigned to a specialized unit, additional education with training specialists will be contracted. This may include outside training companies or higher jurisdiction facilities such as the FBI laboratory or the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in the US. Officers seeking additional instruction may choose university courses or those offered through professional associations. Membership in these groups is typically limited to law enforcement personnel.
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