Underwater Forensic Investigation

This course is an introduction to the underwater world of forensic evidence. Conventional wisdom has prevailed in determining that items of evidentiary significance lose their forensic value when submerged in water. This course is based on the dispelling of this myth and several others that have led police agencies to destroy, contaminate or ignore the potential forensic value of submerged evidence. This course provides competencies to meet the program outcome to allow students to demonstrate an understanding of integrating concepts of forensic science, and prosecutorial law in criminal investigation instruction. Offered only in the summer. There are no prerequisites for this course, however, only certified divers may dive during the underwater portions of this course.