Seneca College School of Public Safety and Police Studies offers first applied forensic program in Ontario, Canada.

Nov 1, 2004

Article contributed by the Faculty of the Applied Forensic Investigative Sciences Program, Seneca College, Ontario, Canada.

Forensic science has made it possible to detect, investigate and prosecute offences in ways never before possible. As the relationship between crime scene investigations and laboratory examinations grows, investigators today require advanced skills to meet the higher standards set out by the courts. Now Seneca College’s new Applied Forensic Investigative Sciences Program offers professionals in law enforcement the opportunity to obtain a post-graduate certificate in this growing field through part-time studies.

Seneca, in partnership with British Columbia Institute of Technology (B.C.I.T.) is offering a unique Applied Forensic Investigative Sciences program that will enhance theoretical knowledge and investigative capabilities as well as provide a clear understanding of selected scientific principles, procedures, technologies and the legal issues involved in an investigator's work.

Ideal for individuals who already have a certificate, diploma or degree in the field of law enforcement, current serving police officers, or mature students with a relevant work history, the program will prepare students for new employment or greater career opportunities. Graduates will attain the credentials needed to open doors to specialized investigative units, enhance investigative skills through an increased awareness of the types of forensic evidence that exists - what it can do, and how to properly collect and use that evidence - increase their knowledge concerning what would be considered evidence in a legal proceeding and improve their ability to testify in an expert matter before the courts.

The program, currently underway, offers six subjects delivered by recognized experts in their respective fields, augmented in many cases by guest speakers and professors from B.C.I.T. Subjects include Introduction to Forensic Science, Forensic Anthropology – Rural Crime Scenes, Forensic Interviewing, Forensic Behavioural Science, Forensic Video Technologies and Science, Technology and the Law. Students can complete the program in one to two years depending on the pace at which they choose to study.

”We’re very excited about the opportunity this program provides for law enforcement professionals,” says Jeff Agro, Seneca College Public Safety and Police Studies Program Coordinator. “Participants can begin their studies at any time, depending on space availability. And our relationship with B.C.I.T. gives program graduates the opportunity to further their education by receiving advanced standing towards B.C.I.T.’s Advanced Specialty Certificate (Forensic Science Studies) or their Bachelor of Technology (Forensic Investigation).”

In addition to this, the School of Public Safety and Police Studies, in partnership with other organizations, also offers ongoing professional development workshops. These workshops, which include topics such as Aircrash Recovery, Forensic Blood Spatter Analysis, and Introduction to Criminal Intelligence, are ideal for those seeking knowledge in a specialized area.

Seneca College’s School of Public Safety and Police Studies is located at Seneca’s King Campus, just north of Toronto in King City. The School encompasses the various public safety components and careers to which students can aspire - from security, customs, immigration, corrections and more – and is committed to providing the contemporary knowledge, skills, and experience required by graduates to obtain and excel in diverse and rewarding careers in public safety, policing and investigations.

You can find out more information about these exciting educational opportunities by visiting http://www.senecac.on.ca/law by calling Jeff Agro, Program Co-ordinator for the School of Public Safety and Police Studies at + 1 416 491 5050 Ext. 5090 or Email at jeff.agro@senecac.on.ca