True Crime Investigation | SUNY College of Technology at Canton

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 19-4092.00

Skills

WritingSpeakingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningJudgment and Decision Making

Knowledge

Law and GovernmentPublic Safety and SecurityEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguageComputers and Electronics

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionInductive ReasoningFlexibility of ClosureNear VisionProblem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningInformation Ordering

Tasks

Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory technique
Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
Enter data into databases.
Operate drones to capture aerial footage or photographs of crime scenes for further analysis.

Technology

Graphics or photo imaging softwareData base user interface and query softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareOffice suite softwareAnalytical or scientific software

Tools

35 millimeter camerasBenchtop mixersBiohazard suitsBlood collection kitsBody fluid collection kitsBreathalyzersColored camera filtersCrime scene evidence flagsCrime scene tape measuresCyanoacrylate fuming chambersDeoxyribonucleic acid DNA collection kitsDesktop computersDigital camerasDigital video camerasDistance measuring wheels

Work Values

SupportRecognitionAchievementIndependenceWorking ConditionsRelationships

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium19-4092.00	Forensic Science Technicians	title_inference	$67,440 median$110,710 top	+12.56%	260

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: emerging (Level 1)(based on Micro-Credential)

Physical evidence collection procedures — follow under direct supervision when securing and packaging items at an assigned crime scene.
Evidence storage protocols — apply established chain-of-custody rules to label and store collected materials in a controlled laboratory environment.
Photographic documentation equipment — operate basic camera and video tools to capture crime scene images under the guidance of a senior technician.
Crime scene measurements and sketches — produce hand-drawn diagrams of scene dimensions following standard departmental templates and checklists.
Latent fingerprint chemicals — apply designated reagents to surfaces under supervision to develop prints for initial comparison review.
Laboratory case records — draft basic notes and preliminary reports documenting observed findings using office suite software and approved formats.
Fingerprint database interfaces — perform entry-level queries in AFIS or equivalent systems to retrieve known prints for comparison tasks.
Scene visit preparation — accompany senior technicians to morgues or outdoor crime scenes, assisting with equipment transport and evidence logging.
Legal terminology and courtroom conduct — recognize basic expectations for forensic testimony and courtroom decorum through orientation training.
Analytical software tools — enter raw data into assigned forensic or scientific software programs under direction to support laboratory analysis.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.