Program Overview

Criminal Justice - Latent Evidence
Associate in Applied Science Degree (A5518A)

Latent Evidence is a concentration under the curriculum of Criminal Justice Technology.  This curriculum is designed to provide knowledge of latent evidence systems and operations.  Study will focus on local, state and federal law enforcement, evidence processing and procedures.

Students will learn both theory and hands-on analysis of latent evidence.  They will learn fingerprint classification, identification and chemical development.  Students will record, cast, and recognize footwear and tire-tracks; and process crime scenes.  Issues and concepts of communications and the use of computers and computer assisted design programs in crime scene technology will be discussed.

Career Outline

Graduates should qualify for employment in a variety of criminal justice organizations especially in local, state, and federal law enforcement, and correctional agencies.

Criminal Justice - Program Outcomes

Employment opportunities exist in a variety of local, state, and federal law enforcement, corrections, and security fields. Examples include police officer, deputy sheriff, county detention officer, state trooper, intensive probation/parole surveillance officer, correctional officer, and loss prevention specialist.

Gaston College graduates receiving an associate of applied science degree in Criminal Justice Technology will be able to: 

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the roles and interrelationships between the principal components of the criminal justice system (that is, law enforcement, the courts, parole, juvenile justice system, and corrections).
2. Demonstrate a working knowledge of criminal law and the elements of various crimes.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the constitutional rights of those accused of crimes and the related restrictions on law enforcement.
4. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the role that crime plays in our society.
5. Demonstrate detection and investigation procedures and techniques utilized in the criminal justice system.

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