NSU introduces Crime Scene Investigator certification program

(Broken Arrow, Okla.)--Northeastern State University-Broken Arrow has recently developed a partnership with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) that will aid law enforcement officers looking to further develop their understanding, skills and expertise as it relates to crime scene investigations.

On March 2, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.in the Visitors Center Gallery in the Administrative Services Building on the Broken Arrow campus, OSBI Director Stan Florence, OSBI Investigative Services Division Director Bob Harshaw, along with other agents from the OSBI Crime Scene Unit and OSBI Northeast Regional Office will meet with NSU President Steve Turner to sign an official agreement for the partnership program.

Beginning in April, law enforcement officers will be able to register through NSUs Continuing Education department for one to three sessions of courses to earn 24-80 CLEET hours. Participants who successfully complete all three sessions will receive an official Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Certificate of Completion.

Currently, NSU is the only university in the state to offer a CSI program.

The OSBI is a recognized leader in crime scene investigation that is called in to conduct investigations by law enforcement officials from all 77 counties in Oklahoma, NSU President Steve Turner said. Our partnership enables NSU to share cutting edge techniques and technologies with police officers seeking to improve their expertise. NSU's Criminal Justice Program shares Director Florence's vision and commitment to law enforcement education, and we look forward to continuing to work together to prepare the next generation of professional investigators.

The first session, Crime Scene Investigator I, will take placeApril 6-8and will count toward 24-CLEET hours. Session two, Crime Scene Investigator II, will take placeMay 5-7, also counting toward 24-CLEET hours. The final session, Crime Scene Investigator III, will take place June 1-4 and will earn an individual 32-CLEET hours. The cost for each session is $250.

Crime scene agents from the OSBI as well as employees of the Broken Arrow Police Department will instruct each session. The courses will be delivered in a blended format, meaning those who enroll can complete a majority of the course online, in their own time.The only in-person requirements will include practical exercises and proficiency testing.

Participants will learn the basics of crime scene management, including proper identifications, collection and preservation of evidence, as well as the basic legal considerations involved in crime scene investigation. The sessions will also cover techniques to sample, photograph and recover evidence.

It is critical for law enforcement to conduct a thorough crime scene investigation in order to ensure the utmost integrity of the investigation, Director Stan Florence said. Bringing perpetrators to justice demands the officers become as well trained as possible so these critical investigations advance through the criminal justice system. We applaud NSU in its efforts to facilitate a positive learning opportunity that will help students be confident and knowledgeable in their performance of their duties.