Forensic Fire Investigator

The Forensic Fire Investigator Certificate is designed to give graduates a recognized credential that can translate into greater recognition within their respective field. After completing the six required courses offered through the Texas Forensic Science Academy, graduates will have an understanding of criminal fire investigation from basic to advanced documentation, evidence collection and processing, procedures for fire death investigation, and effective courtroom testimony.

Required Courses

Forensic Technician (Crime Scene Investigation & Latent Print Processing)
Courtroom Testimony
Forensic Photography I
Forensic Photography II
Forensic Fire Fatality Investigation
Fire Investigator (NFPA 1033)

Once all 6 courses have been completed, applicants should confirm they meet all certificate requirements using the Forensic Fire Investigator Application and return to the TEEX Law Enforcement & Security Training division. Eligibility of each candidate will be reviewed and email notification of decision will be sent.

Forensic Fire Investigator

Category Course # Course Title Description Funding Options & Delivery Types Division Learn More Buttons
Forensic Fire Investigator FSA100 Forensic Technician
Physical evidence collected at the scene of a crime is often the single most critical element in criminal prosecution and conviction. This course provides participants with information, techniques, and methods for conducting crime scene investigations and processing crime scene evidence. Course instruction is through lecture and case review with emphasis on practical laboratory application, scenario-based practical application, and proper photography techniques.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Forensic Technician Course #40052 and Intermediate Crime Scene Search #2106.
Participant Testimonials:”I have never had better hands on instruction. This was the best course I have ever taken. [I] should have completed the course years ago.””This class not only met my expectations but exceeded them. I look forward to returning to work and applying what I have learned now.” Show less
Physical evidence collected at the scene of a crime is often the single most critical element in criminal prosecution and conviction. This course provides participants with information, techniques, and methods for conducting crime scene investigations and processing crime scene evidence….
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Face-to-Face LAW Learn More about Forensic Technician
Forensic Fire Investigator FSA101 Forensic Photography I
Capturing evidence and documenting the crime scene through skilled photography techniques is crucial to a proper criminal investigation. This course will address the basic concepts of photography and their application to professional crime scene documentation. Course instruction will be through lecture, case review, and practical exercises.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Forensic Photography Course #40053.
Participant Testimonials:”I feel much more comfortable and confident with my camera and the knowledge I’ve obtained will help tremendously in the field.””I knew nothing of the camera I came in with other than to shoot in ‘auto’ mode. I can now use the camera correctly and efficiently.” Show less
Capturing evidence and documenting the crime scene through skilled photography techniques is crucial to a proper criminal investigation. This course will address the basic concepts of photography and their application to professional crime scene documentation. Course instruction will be…
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Face-to-Face LAW Learn More about Forensic Photography I
Forensic Fire Investigator FSA105 Basic Criminal Investigation
This course prepares participants for their transition from a traditional patrol/traffic function to an investigative position, such as a detective. The Basic Criminal Investigation course is also appropriate for those agencies that require officers to perform both patrol and investigative functions. From the initial response to case prosecution, officers will learn how to manage a wide variety of common criminal investigations. Emphasis is placed on preparation of affidavits, procurement and execution of search and arrest warrants, interview and interrogation procedures, and rules governing the collection and preservation of evidence. Additionally, participants will learn case preparation techniques and unique aspects of special topic investigations, such as narcotics, property crimes, and crimes against persons.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Basic Criminal Investigation Course #40051.
Participant Testimonials:”I am so much more confident in the ability to do my job after taking this course.””Both a new investigator and a seasoned investigator could benefit from this class.” Show less
This course prepares participants for their transition from a traditional patrol/traffic function to an investigative position, such as a detective. The Basic Criminal Investigation course is also appropriate for those agencies that require officers to perform both patrol and investigative…
Show more
Face-to-Face LAW Learn More about Basic Criminal Investigation
Forensic Fire Investigator FSA110 Death Investigation
From the moment a human body is discovered, there are many potential causes, factors, and circumstances that must be considered in completing a thorough criminal investigation and potential prosecution. This course addresses the procedures for conducting investigations of various types of human death and the investigator’s role throughout the investigative process.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Death Investigation Course #40059.
Participant Testimonials:”The objectives are realistic for an investigator without any death investigation training.””I think that regardless of one’s training this course can benefit any death investigator. Very applicable to our job as detectives.” Show less
From the moment a human body is discovered, there are many potential causes, factors, and circumstances that must be considered in completing a thorough criminal investigation and potential prosecution. This course addresses the procedures for conducting investigations of various types of…
Show more
Face-to-Face LAW Learn More about Death Investigation
Forensic Fire Investigator FSA113 Basic Criminal Investigation (Online)
This online course prepares participants for their transition from a traditional patrol/traffic function to an investigative position, such as a detective. The Basic Criminal Investigation course is also appropriate for those agencies that require officers to perform both patrol and investigative functions. From the initial response to case prosecution, officers will learn how to manage a wide variety of common criminal investigations. Emphasis is placed on preparation of affidavits, procurement and execution of search and arrest warrants, interview and interrogation procedures, and rules governing the collection and preservation of evidence. Additionally, participants will learn case preparation techniques and unique aspects of special topic investigations, such as narcotics, property crimes, and crimes against persons.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Basic Criminal Investigation Course #40051.
Participant Testimonials:”This training has helped me to see where I could have done a better job with past cases and prepared me for better case work in the future.” Show less
This online course prepares participants for their transition from a traditional patrol/traffic function to an investigative position, such as a detective. The Basic Criminal Investigation course is also appropriate for those agencies that require officers to perform both patrol and…
Show more
Online LAW Learn More about Basic Criminal Investigation (Online)
Forensic Fire Investigator FSA114 Death Investigation (Online)
From the moment a human body is discovered, there are many potential causes, factors, and circumstances that must be considered in completing a thorough criminal investigation and potential prosecution.  This online course addresses the procedures for conducting investigations of various types of human death and the investigator’s role throughout the investigative process.
This course meets the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Death Investigation Course #40059.
Participant Testimonials:”I was recently promoted to investigations and this course will definitely make me more capable of doing my job.””Course material was good and I would really recommend this course to any police officers whether they are new officers or veterans.” Show less
From the moment a human body is discovered, there are many potential causes, factors, and circumstances that must be considered in completing a thorough criminal investigation and potential prosecution.  This online course addresses the procedures for conducting investigations of various…
Show more
Online LAW Learn More about Death Investigation (Online)
Forensic Fire Investigator FSA116 Foundations of Forensic Photography
Photography is a critical element in the documentation of criminal investigations. This online course addresses the basic concepts of photography and their application to professional investigative documentation. For the final project, participants have the opportunity to capture photographs at a simulated crime scene, acting in the traditional role of an investigator for the case.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Foundations of Forensic Photography course #667369. Show less
Photography is a critical element in the documentation of criminal investigations. This online course addresses the basic concepts of photography and their application to professional investigative documentation. For the final project, participants have the opportunity to capture photographs…
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Online LAW Learn More about Foundations of Forensic Photography
Forensic Fire Investigator FSA118 Foundations of Courtroom Testimony
Those who conduct investigations or deal with evidence are expected to testify as expert witnesses. This means they must establish credibility the moment they enter the courtroom and proceed to the witness stand to present their testimony. This online course provides participants with an understanding of the basic factors that create effective courtroom testimony.This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Courtroom Testimony course #40065.This online course, along with the 24-hour Face-to-Face FSA119 Courtroom Testimony Practical Applications, will meet the 40-hour Courtroom Testimony requirement for multiple Texas Forensic Science Academy Certificate Programs. Show less
Those who conduct investigations or deal with evidence are expected to testify as expert witnesses. This means they must establish credibility the moment they enter the courtroom and proceed to the witness stand to present their testimony. This online course provides participants with an…
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Online LAW Learn More about Foundations of Courtroom Testimony
Forensic Fire Investigator FSA119 Courtroom Testimony Practical Applications
Crime scene investigators and peace officers are expected to be expert witnesses. To be perceived as experts, they must establish credibility from the moment they enter the courtroom and proceed to the witness stand to present their testimony. This course provides participants with practical activities to develop and enhance their ability to give effective courtroom testimony. Activities include communication skills evaluations, presenting expert witness credentials, and mock testimony in a simulated courtroom.This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Courtroom Testimony Course #40067. Show less
Crime scene investigators and peace officers are expected to be expert witnesses. To be perceived as experts, they must establish credibility from the moment they enter the courtroom and proceed to the witness stand to present their testimony. This course provides participants with practical…
Show more
Face-to-Face LAW Learn More about Courtroom Testimony Practical Applications