Crime Scene Technician Certificate Program
The Crime Scene Technician Certificate Program (CSTCP) is a series of six fundamental courses that introduce vital components of crime scene investigation. Participants are required to attend and successfully pass all six courses to receive their certificate. Upon completion of the program, participants will have exceeded the minimum requirements necessary to apply for national crime scene certification. All six courses of the program will be held at the Criminal Justice Institute.
Nominations for the spring 2027 session can now be submitted. The deadline for submission is October 30, 2026.
Nomination letters should be addressed to the Director of CJI from your Chief of Police, Sheriff, Department Head or Director indicating how your participation in this program will benefit your agency, that your agency will provide all required photography equipment, and that he/she will support your attendance as well as ensure, to the best of their ability, your participation in all six courses.
Letters can be submitted via email to [email protected] or can be mailed to 26 Corporate Hill Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205.
Nominees will be notified in November 2026 of their acceptance to the program. The website will be updated with confirmed dates in the upcoming months.
WEEK ONE: Crime Scene Management/Crime Scene Photography – TBA
WEEK TWO: Crime Scene Sketching, Note Taking and Report Writing – TBA
WEEK THREE: Latent Print Processing – TBA
WEEK FOUR: Impression Evidence – TBA
WEEK FIVE: Biological and Trace Evidence – TBA
WEEK SIX: Crime Scene Investigation – TBA
CSTCP Photography Equipment Requirements:
Photography skills are critical in crime scenes and evidence documentation. each department must provide its agency representative a minimum amount of photography equipment to ensure successful participation in the program. The minimum photography equipment required for participation in CSTCP are:
• Adjustable Digital Camera
• Tripod
• Detachable Flash
• PC Cord
• Spare Batteries for Camera and Flash
• Macro lens
• Filters (yellow, orange, red, and polarizing)
o This is a 135-hour class.
o This class earns credits in our Degree Program.
o This program is included in our membership program.
Class hours are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
For more information, contact Heather Bridges: (501) 570-8060 or [email protected].