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October 2000 Volume 2 Number
4
Training Update
FY2001 Specialized Forensic Science
Training Program
Answers
to
Commonly Asked Questions
Question: Do the distance learning courses
count as training slots allotted to my agency?
Answer: Yes. We are still working on establishing
our distance learning effort. A significant part of the program
plan is to implement a Virtual Academy. We are currently evaluating
student-tracking software and server hardware that will provide
the infrastructure required to accomplish this goal. Until this
online stage has been completed, we do not have the resources
to consider providing the distance learning courses in unlimited
numbers.
Also, it is important to
understand our training philosophy and how we envision incorporating
online and CD-ROM-based training to expand training and improve
learning. Throughout the past year, our experience with distance
learning has provided an opportunity to refine our ideas of how
to use this exciting new tool most effectively.
As we embark on new distance
learning course development, the focus will be to train and test
on the fundamentals of a discipline. Students applying for training
will have to successfully complete a computer-based course as
a prerequisite for earning additional face-to-face training at
the FBI Academy or at a host site.
We realize that some students
will not be able to attend this additional training for a variety
of reasons. Therefore, once the Virtual Academy has been implemented,
the distance learning courses will be available to these students
without counting as a training slot.
We appreciate your patience
as we move to developing more rigorous and complete training
programs (fundamental, intermediate, and advanced level courses
in each discipline) in forensic science and crime scene technology!
Question: Can I request my own copy of the catalog?
I never get to see the one mailed to my boss.
Answer: No. Currently, we mail one catalog
to each police agency and crime laboratory in our database. (In
addition, we will be sending the catalog this year to each FBI
field office training coordinator and Legal Attaché.)
It is not possible, nor is it necessary, to expand this mailing
list to each potential student because we accept only one application
submission from an agency.
However, we do realize that
communication in large organizations may not always be timely.
Subsequently, the training program is published on the Internet
in Forensic Science Communications, the quarterly online journal
published by FBI Laboratory personnel at
http:\\www.fbi.gov\programs\lab\fsc\current\index.htm
Question: How do I get a training class
to be held at my agency's facilities?
Answer: Indicate on the application that
your agency would like to be considered as a host site and for
which course(s). Agencies should volunteer on the basis of the
suitability of their facilities to a particular class (e.g.,
classroom size, laboratory, firing range, and instrumentation).
Please call if you have questions regarding facility requirements
for a class.
Agencies are selected as
host sites primarily on the basis of geographic distribution
of applicants and the facilities available. In appreciation for
being a host site, you will have the opportunity to place at
least five additional students of your choice in the class.
Question: What is the cost to attend the schools?
Answer: There is no tuition cost for any
of the Specialized Forensic Science Training Program schools.
In addition, travel, lodging, and meals are fully covered by
the FBI for all U.S. students attending classes at the FBI Academy.
International students and
students from other federal agencies will be responsible for
their own travel expenses.
Also, the FBI does not generally
pay for travel, lodging, and meals for students attending a road
school because students are typically selected for road schools
on the basis of their close geographic proximity to the host
facility.
Course listing with links to course descriptions
Application Process
Registration Deadline
Application
for Specialized Training Program
Privacy Act Statement
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FORENSIC SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS OCTOBER 2000 VOLUME
2 NUMBER 4 |
