Investigations & Forensics
Recommended Investigations & Forensics (IF) Pathway
The courses below are recommended by our Board and network of industry experts. Each course link will lead to a page with lesson plans, national standards, and resources. For more information, feel free to email info@laspen.org
This is a national exemplar. Each state makes decisions on how to best serve their industry and school programs. Always refer to state and local guidelines for implementation.
Introduction Course – Introduction to Law and Public Safety (ILPS)
It is recommended that an IF pathway begin with a broad based introduction to the law and public safety system. IF professionals are a key part of the larger law and public safety system, so a critical starting point for the pathway is an exploration of the larger ecosystem investigations lives in. Additionally, it is advised that a high school pathway not become so specific to an area exclusively that participants are not exposed to other elements in LPS. The broader approach helps with marketing to encourage students to enroll.
Visit our Introduction to Law and Public Safety course page – with lesson plans – Click Here
CIF is a highly marketable and engaging overview of working crime scenes and conducting investigations. Students will learn about processing crime scenes, collecting evidence, and interpreting the results. They will also learn the legal applications of laws and the Constitution that serve as guardrails to the investigative process. Investigative skills such as interviews, interrogations, crime scene reconstruction and criminal profiling are also covered.
Visit our Criminal Investigations and Forensics course page – with lesson plans – Click Here
FS is a science based approach to teaching investigations. The course can be a science course, a LPS CTE course, or both! In some states this course counts for science and CTE credit. The course does more of a deep dive into the applications of science to criminal investigation. It does address investigative techniques as well.
Visit our Forensic Science course page – with lesson plans – Click Here
Third+ Course Options
Note – we are in the middle of major updates. We hope to have everything ready by the end of winter.
LAPSEN recommends pathways have flexibility for local systems to adjust to local needs. It is also recommended that a “deeper dive” into SPS-related content come from dual enrollment opportunities, if possible. The SPS course covers secondary educational needs adequately. To maximize student career preparation, engagement, and marketing it is suggested to offer courses similar to those listed below to complete the pathway.
Option 1 – Law Enforcement (LE)
Law Enforcement prepares individuals to perform the duties of police and public security officers, including patrol and investigative activities, traffic control, crowd control, public relations, witness interviewing, evidence collection and management, court procedures and the law in general. Basic crime prevention methods, weapon and equipment operation, equipment maintenance, and other routine law enforcement responsibilities are also included.
Visit our Law Enforcement course page – with lesson plans – Click Here
Option 2 – Security and Protective Services (SPS)
Security and Protective Services prepares students to work in the fastest-growing career field in LPS. Once students complete this course they will be fully prepared for entry-level work in the field. Students will be able to take the Certified Protection Officer (CPO) certification exam. The CPO is recognized by thousands of employers worldwide. After earning the CPO and a high school diploma, students will be able to be employed immediately in a field with excellent compensation and opportunities. Skills learned in SPS will also prepare students interested in careers in law enforcement and other LPS careers to build experience prior to their 21st birthday.
Visit our Security & Protective Services course page – with lesson plans – Click Here
Option 3 – Drones for Law and Public Safety (DLPS)
Bring some excitement to your pathway! This course prepares students for certifications to operate drones in the law and public safety environment. Drones are increasingly used in SPS areas. First, students will complete the necessary training to be prepared to pass the FAA 107 Pilot test. Students will then train in remote sensing and photogrammetry. Students will learn how to prepare and plan for law and public safety drone operations. A significant portion of the course time will be dedicated to developing flight skills and performing maneuvers necessary for such operations. Using the National Institute of Standards and Technology national standard performance test for unmanned aerial vehicles, students will train for real world applications.
Visit our Drones for Law and Public Safety course page – Click Here
Other Options
There are many options that local systems can review that may fit more appropriately.
Visit our overall course page – Click Here
Industry Recognized Credential (IRC) for the LS Pathway
National Basic Crime Scene Investigator
We have been working together with Subject Matter Experts from around the country to create a certification that is relevant and valuable to your students and the industry. This entry level certification will prepare students for a career out of high school or tech college as a crime scene technician. The skills learned are applicable to many careers in the law and public safety realm.
This credential aligns with the LAPSEN Investigations and Forensics course standards and supporting lesson plans, curricula and resources.
The BCSI satiates all Perkins legislative requirements for Industry Recognized Credentials.
Training
Instructors in the LS pathway need to have industry experience or training. If you have a specific training need email info@lapsen.org
Click Here to go to our Training Schedule
Be the Best
IADLEST – the national organization of state police certification agencies – together with LAPSEN have established a certification to identify the best in America working with youth interested in LPS careers.
Click Here to learn more.
Competitions
The LE pathway national CTSO is SkillsUSA. There are serveral ways for LE program students to participate in SkillsUSA
For more information visit www.skillsusa.org/competitions or reach out to info@lapsen.org
Criminal Justice
This competition is a single competitor preparing to be officers or to work in other areas of criminal justice.
CSI Team
This competition for a team of 3 is designed to evaluate team members’ skills in processing a crime scene.
Career Pathways - Human Services
Student teams use their course of study as the basis of a project that will benefit their class, school, community or industry.
Commercial sUAS Drone
This competition for a team of 2 is designed to evaluate team members’ skills in the safe and efficient use of drone technology
Entrepreneurship
A team event testing students’ knowledge in starting their own businesses by developing business plans that identify needed products or services in a local market. SPS careers often lead into business development of security services.
First Aid - CPR
Basic SPS skill for a single competitor. Evaluates a competitor’s ability to perform procedures or take appropriate action based on scenarios presented related to CPR first aid medical emergencies. There is also a written exam.
Job Skill Demonstration - 3 Contests
Competitors demonstrate and explain an entry-level skill used in the occupational area for which they are training. “A” refers to skills taught in the pathway. “Open” is usually a skill learned in WBL or similar that is outside the pathway. “Action Skills” is for students with IEPs. In all cases, the skill should be hands on as it is a “demonstration.”
Robotics - Urban Search and Rescue
A student team designs and operates a robot that simulate equipment used in rescue operations.
There are dozens more that cover everything from speeches to specifc skill sets.
TTAG Team – Support
The Training & Technical Assistance Group (TTAG) is here to help you! From emails and phone calls to onsite visits, these fellow educators are here to help! See the bottom of the page for TTAG members in LE.
Click Here to learn more.
Student Recognition
Your students can be members of the National Technical Honors Society PLUS a special endorsement for achievement in law and public safety! Don’t have an NTHS – they are super easy to start and no extra work.
Click Here to learn more.
Links & Resources
Forensic Science Teacher Tribe – Facebook page with shared Google Drive. Mostly science teachers, but amazing resources: Click Here
CSI: The Experience – fun site for the students. Has Education links: Click Here
CSI Accelerator – career information for students: Click Here
A Simplified Guide to Forensic Science – BJA and the National Forensic Science Tech Center put together an AMAZING site: Click Here
Crime Scene Investigation Guide – FREE guide designed by BJA and NFSTC. Downloadable. Could be used as a textbook. Great resource for students, too: Click Here
FBI’s The Handbook of Forensic Services – online, pretty cool for the kiddos to look at! Click Here
Reddy’s Forensic Page – the most COMPREHESIVE list I have ever seen of links for forensics. I start my kids on this site for all research: Click Here
Introduction to Criminal Investigation from Open Textbook Library – Totally FREE! Has crime scene and forensics. Take a look at chapters: Click Here
Brennon Sapp’s ENTIRE COURSE – Brennon has put his entire forensics course online. For Free (my favorite price). It is for science courses, but much can be used in CTE: Click Here
Under the Magnifying Glass – from O.Berk packaging this is a great list of awesome education links. Thanks Tyler for the tip! Click Here
Career Posters
Click Here to go to download folder
Equipment Lists
Georgia’s state equipment list. Use tabs on bottom of sheets – Click Here
Hawai’i’s state equipment list. Click Here
Support
These educators and industry specialist have volunteered to help you. They are your network of support.
LAPSEN National Forensic Specialist Jeff Branyon
Learn more about Jeff – Click Here for his Linkedin
Brief Bio: Click Here
Email Jeff – Click Here
Jeff is a former agent and current Marshal. He brings extensive industry expertise and oversees our training in forensics.
TAGG Team Members
Click Here to learn more about TTAG
HS and College Forensics
Stacey Hervey
Learn more about Stacey – Click Here for her Linkedin
Brief Bio: Click Here
Email Stacey- Click Here
Stacey teaches high school and college courses in Denver. She enjoys mentoring teachers.
HS and Elementary Forensics
Linnell Burton
Learn more about Linnell – Click Here for her Linkedin
Email Linnell – Click Here
Linnell teaches high school in Atlanta, Georgia. She also has a company with children’s forensics books and camp materials.
