Digital Photography Technology: Forensic Photography, CERT

College Certificate: (FOR-CERT)

About the Program

The Forensic Photography College Certificate program is designed to provide students with the technical skills necessary to photographically preserve crime scenes and items of evidence, from both technical and legal standpoints. The Forensic Photography program provides students with the necessary skills needed in the principles of composition, focus, exposure, color theory, and lighting. The program enables students to work in front of the camera, photography studios, and computer based processing labs. The program addresses the need for an alternative career track for students that work in crime scene investigation, criminal justice, homeland security, fire safety, as well as other evidence gathering related occupations. There is a demand for individuals that have the skills and talents as a photographer or a computer-based digital imaging specialist.

College Certificate Goals

• To provide students with the general principles involved in the scientific approaches involved in the recognition, documentation and evidence production of forensic photography
• To expose students to the legal constraints and ethical issues of the criminal justice system
• To provide students with basic training and hands-on experience related to the fundamental techniques of forensic photography as it relates to career tracks including criminal justice, homeland security and others

College Certificate Outcomes

• Students will be able to analyze, interpret and demonstrate the anthropological ability to properly collect, preserve and document specimens via forensic photography
• Demonstrate an applied understanding of the role of the forensic entomologist in the moral and legal systems of our society
• Identify, detail and explain the process for preparing case reports with a 70% proficiency rate or higher

Admission Requirements

Students are required to do the following:

• Fulfill all WCCCD admission requirements
• Fulfill course placement requirements based on the ACCUPLACER^® assessment
• Complete a WCCCD Program Application and submit to the Campus Academic Officer