Printed on 5/9/2025

Evidence Technician

20-504-24 Certificate (C) 14 Credits Not Financial Aid Eligible Location*: Appleton

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

If you are a law enforcement or security professional, this certificate can give you the skills to carefully collect and preserve physical crime scene evidence. You’ll learn how to examine and reconstruct crime scenes, as well as how to collect, analyze and protect biological and trace evidence. Through hands-on experience, you’ll learn techniques for detecting and recovering impression evidence such as footwear marks, fingerprints, tool marks and tire treads. You will become a valuable member of the investigative team.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Technical Studies (14 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Introduction to Forensic Science
    10-504-110
    3Credit
    72
    90

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10504110
    • Credits: 3.00

    Explores the applications of science in the field of crime scene management from the crime scene to the courtroom and beyond. Students will focus on the examination and reconstruction of various crime scenes with the emphasis on the identification, collection, documentation and preservation of physical evidence.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • Student is in progress in the Program of Study of Forensic Science (10-504-4) OR Criminal Justice Studies (10-504-5)

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)

  • Biological & Trace Evidence
    10-504-122
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10504122
    • Credits: 3.00

    Provides the student with the knowledge of protecting, recognizing, documenting, collecting, preserving and analysis of biological and trace evidence. Students will learn about the different types of biological evidence and trace evidence that can be used to assist in criminal investigations. This course deals with the real science and myths of DNA along with the identifying suitable types of evidence for DNA analysis. This course is offered on-campus in fall term and online in spring term.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options:

    • CRIME 10504131 - Basic Crime Scene Photography

    • Student is in progress in Evidence Technician (20-504-24) Program of Study

  • Basic Crime Scene Photography
    10-504-131
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10504131
    • Credits: 3.00

    Designed to develop basic skills in preparing effective crime scene photographs and to instruct the student in the type of photographs necessary, as well as the lighting needed for good crime scene photography. This course will educate the crime scene investigator, homicide detective, sworn law enforcement officer, rape detective, arson investigator, domestic violence investigator, and other law enforcement personnel in the aspects of photography and provide the skills needed to apply this technology in the crime scene investigation field and/or related areas.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • CRIME 10504110 - Intro to Forensic Science

  • Impression Evidence
    10-504-146
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10504146
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on the many different types of two/three dimensional impression evidence (footwear, fingerprints, tool marks, tire tread, etc.) found at crime scenes, detection/recovery techniques in the field and examinations in the lab and beyond to include the courtroom. Students will have practical hands-on applications (casting, lifts, etc.) with the collection techniques used in the field and lab environment. This will aid the student in developing tools and technologies to enhance their abilities to identify, document, collect and preserve impression evidence. This course is offered online in fall term and on-campus in spring term.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • CRIME 10504110 - Intro to Forensic Science

  • Property/Evidence Management
    10-504-168
    2Credit
    36
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10504168
    • Credits: 2.00

    Focuses on the applications of all forms of property and evidence management systems that include a number of key stages from the piece of property/evidence's acquisition to its eventual disposal. Students will learn versatile time saving tools for managing property, evidence, and equipment through warehousing and inventory control. Develop formal standards for the management, administration, handling of property/evidence and benchmark references specific to the initial property/evidence handling procedures and life time standards for an organization.

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Expected Competencies


For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
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Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

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Recommended Start College Now Course


What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

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Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:


What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

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N/A


This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.