Violent Crimes Case Review Project
Mission Statement
Law enforcement agencies throughout the United States have unsolved homicide cases that could potentially benefit from recent advances in forensic biotechnology. The Forensic Biotechnology Institute of California, through the Violent Crimes Case Review Project (VCCRP), seeks to identify (c)old cases that may benefit from advances in forensic technology – must notably forensic DNA testing. This is accomplished primarily by students studying the forensic sciences and forensic behavioral sciences at the California State University, Fresno. Through comprehensive and systematic case reviews under the direction of law enforcement personnel, students determine the status of all suspects, summarize the case, and prepare it for entry into investigative databases. Through this hard work and dedication, the project strives to decrease the homicide rate, facilitate the successful closure and prosecution of new cases, identify past investigative and procedural shortcomings and make constructive recommendations, develop new and innovative investigative techniques and approaches, and provide educational and practical experience for criminal investigators.
Abstract Text
The VCCRP (Violent Crimes Case Review Project) engages students with real, unsolved forensic casework from participating law enforcement agencies. This relationship provides law enforcement agencies with the much needed human resources to revisit unsolved cases while giving students invaluable real-world experience in an increasingly competitive field.
Program Outline
(C)old case study at the Forensic Biotechnology Institute of California
The Forensic Biotechnology Institute and the Violent Crimes Case Review Project (VCCRP) are always seeking qualified individuals, especially those who are considering careers within both law endowment and the criminal justice system. VCCRP students are volunteers (unpaid), engaging in a valuable service learning activity that allows them to work on real criminal cases with experienced law enforcement personnel. The program offers qualified students with challenging and rewarding opportunities for professional development, transitioning from school to practice and developing insights into professional practice that are rarely available in a conventional classroom setting.
Students who would like to work with the VCCRP should possess the following traits:
1. Strong communication and interpersonal skills
2. Strong research skills
3. Patience
4. Creativity
5. Persistence
6. High motivation level
7. Enthusiasm for the job
VCCRP students review, analyze, update and summarized (c)old homicide cases, preparing them for entry into various databases. The work may also involve research on specific aspects of a case. During a brief training period, students receive instruction on police procedures, homicide investigation, and case management, crime scene processing, forensics and the utilization of various law enforcement and non-law enforcement databases.
Students may choose to enroll in independent study to receive academic credit for their work with the VCCRP. Applications must be enrolled at the California State University, Fresno, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Undergraduate students must be in their junior or senior year for the semester program or entering their junior or senior year for the summer program. Graduate students must have completed at least the first semester of graduate school as determined by the total number of credit hours completed. Applicants are generally citizens or naturalized citizens of the United States; however, in some instances, foreign students will be considered provided that (s)he is here on the appropriate student visa. Students majoring in forensic science, forensic behavioral science, and criminology are given preference. Once accepted into the program, students are expected to commit a minimum of 10 hours per week for a full semester (16 weeks). Summer program students will be required to complete a minimum of 20 hours per week for a minimum of eight (8) weeks from the date of acceptance into the program.
VCCRP students receiving academic credit will complete a written (anonymous) evaluation of their programmatic experience. Students ill be evaluated on project assignments and work ethic (on-time arrival, proper dress, customer service, etc.). Students will not receive final grades until they have completed the minimum number of hours required for course credit.
Special Considerations
This work involves reviewing material that is both confidential and personal. Therefore, each individual who is selected for the program will undergo a background check and sign a confidentiality agreement. Background checks may include investigation of the applicant’s criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. As a result, the application is also required to sign a release authorizing the California Department of Justice to obtain relevant background information.
Additionally, applicants are advised that the work will entail reading about, viewing graphic photos of, and discussing physical and sexual violence. Writing and analytical skills will be considered as part of the selection process. The ability to work independently is a must as well as a degree of flexibility and adaptability.
Application Process
Download and complete the Violent Crimes Case Review Project Student Application. Under “references”, include at least one Academic reference who can attest to your writing and analytical skills. Download and complete the Background Information Release Form. Send both forms, along with your resume, and a sample of your writing to:
Forensic Biotechnology Institute of California
Violent Crimes Case Review Project
ATTN: Kevin W.P. Miller, Ph.D.
2576 E San Ramon Avenue, M/S ST104
Fresno, CA. 93470
VCCRP Student Application Form
Violent crimes case review Project
Program Application
This form must be printed or typewritten and signed in ink. Application packets should include this application, the background information release form, certificates stating that you have successfully completed bloodborne pathogen (available through Lisa Kao in the Department of Environmental Health and Safety) (email: lisak@csufresno.edu) and laboratory safety training (available through Alan Preston in the Department of Chemistry) (email: apreston@csufresno.edu), your resume, and an essay that tells us what attracted you to our program, what you will contribute to it, and how working with our program fits in with your future career goals. All information should be mailed, together, to:
The Forensic Biotechnology Institute of California
Attn: Violent Crimes Case Review Project
California State University, Fresno
2576 E San Ramon Avenue, M/S ST104
Fresno, CA. 93740