Student Involvement
(C)old case study at the Forensic Biotechnology Institute of California. The Violent Crimes Case Review Project (VCCRP) team is always seeking qualified individuals, especially those who are considering careers within forensic science, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system. VCCRP students are volunteers, 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.
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.
University Credit. 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. 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.
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 applicant is also required to sign a release authorizing the California Department of Justice to obtain relevant background information.
Lastly, applicants are advised that the work will entail reading about and viewing graphic photos of, and discussing physical and sexual violence.
Interested students should contact the Institute with a letter of application, addressed to the Human Identification Research Group, along with a current resume.