Detective Programs

Collaboration between CT State Police and Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice

About the Program

Learn more about the programs

The Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice and the CT State Police have developed a unique partnership to offer both non-credit and credit-bearing educational opportunities for state and municipal police detectives. This collaboration between Central and CSP was established by Lieutenant Colonel Jay DelGrosso, who has served in policing since 1993 with much of his time spent in Major Crimes Investigations and has developed the Detective Methodology Program as part of the efforts to standardize best practices in police investigation.Part of this collaboration entails efforts to standardize best practices in police investigations which detectives will be required to demonstrate through successful completion of the Basic Certification. To enhance their knowledge beyond the Basic Certification, they will have the opportunity to pursue either our undergraduate Detective Certificate or our graduate Advanced Detective Certificate. The credits earned during the certificate program can lead to degree completion for either the BA in Criminology or the MS in Criminal Justice.

The certificate programs being offered at Central are designed for professionals involved in criminal and crime scene investigation or supervisory situations at critical events. The program covers theory and practice of investigation using modern technology and best practices. Students will learn essential principles and methods to improve work processes. All courses are taught by subject matter expects and are offered in the evenings to accommodate working professionals.

Basic Detective Certification

(prerequisite for the undergraduate and graduate certificate programs)

This is a non-credit certification course developed by CSP, endorsed by the Connecticut State Police Major Crime Methodology Program Advisory Board, and administered with support from Central’s Office of Professional Education (PE) and Institute for the Study of Crime & Justice (ISCJ). The course provides a basic understanding of the fundamentals of investigation and evidence gathering.

POSTC training credits will be considered upon completion.

The materials in the course will be updated annually.

The cost for the Basic Detective Certification Course is $195 (cost for CSP employees is $25).

Detective Certificate Program (undergraduate)

This is a for-credit undergraduate certificate program with courses taught by experts in police investigations. Students complete 4 courses (12 credits) including: CRM 480, CRM 481, CRM 483, CRM 485. Credits from the program can be applied toward completion of a B.A. in Criminology at Central. Up to 12 additional credits from the Police Academy may be applied toward the Criminology B.A.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the investigatory process
2. Identify key components necessary for an effective investigation
3. Describe legal and ethical practices for securing evidence and testimony

Catalog description can be found here.

Requirements for admission:

• Submit an online application form
• Completion of the Basic Detective Certification course
• High school transcripts
• Non-refundable application fee

Inquiries about the program can be directed to Dr. Julie Schnobrich-Davis at j.schnobrichdavis@ccsu.edu

Advanced Detective Certificate Program (graduate)

This is a for-credit graduate certificate program with courses offered by experts in police investigations. Students complete 4 courses (12 credits) from the following options: CRM 480, CJ 581, CJ 582, CJ 583, CJ 584, CJ 585. Credits from the program can be applied toward completion of a M.S. in Criminal Justice at Central.

Program Learning Outcomes:

1. Summarize the nature of the investigatory process using modern technology
2. Illustrate the key elements necessary for an effective investigation
3. Analyze legal and ethical practices for securing evidence and testimony

Catalog description can be found here.

Requirements for admission:

• Completion of the Basic Detective Certification course
• Must hold a B.A./B.S. from an accredited university
• Minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants with a 2.70-2.99 may also be considered

Inquiries about the program can be directed to Dr. Julie Schnobrich-Davis at j.schnobrichdavis@ccsu.edu

Course offerings include:

For more information on any of the Detective Programs, please contact Dr. Julie Schnobrich-Davis at j.schnobrichdavis@ccsu.edu