Criminology & Criminal Justice

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For students interested in Detective class

Contact Information
Program Coordinator
Julie Schnobrich-Davis, PhD
RVAC 405
860.832.3139

Detective Programs

 

Detective Methodology Program

The Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice at Central Connecticut State University, in partnership with the Connecticut State Police, offers a comprehensive suite of educational opportunities designed specifically for state and municipal police detectives. This collaboration integrates both non-credit and credit-bearing options to support professional development and promote academic advancement in the field of major crime investigations.

This initiative was established under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Jay DelGrosso, a veteran of the Connecticut State Police with over three decades of experience, much of it focused in major crimes. L.t. Col. DelGrasso developed the Detective Methodology Program as part of a broader effort to standardize investigative practices and sure consistent, high-quality training for detectives across the state. The program creates a structured framework that combines training, education, and practical experience to ensure detectives are well-qualified to investigate major crimes. The program is officially endorsed by the Connecticut State Police Major Crime Methodology Program Advisory Board.

Pathways to Certification and Academic Advancement

The first step in this professional development process is the Basic Detective Certification, a non-credit, self-paced online course available exclusively sworn law enforcement personnel. Upon successful completion of the Basic Certification, detectives may continue their education through one of the two academic certificate programs:

Credits earned through these certificate programs can be applied toward the completion of a Bachelor's or Master's degree, allowing participants to further enhance their academic and professional qualifications

For more information, please contact Dr. Julie Schnobrich-Davis at j.schnobrichdavis@ccsu.edu

Programs

(Prerequisite for the undergraduate and graduate certificate programs)

This non-academic credit certification course has been developed by the Connecticut State Police and is designed exclusively for sworn law enforcement personnel. The program is delivered in a self-paced, online format to accommodate the schedules of active-duty professionals. This course reflects the State Police's commitment to excellence, professionalism and consistency in major crime investigations. The course provides a basic understanding of the fundamentals of investigation and gathering evidence.

As part of the enrollment process, all prospective participants are required to complete a preregistration survey. This step is necessary for verification and eligibility purposes. Once verification is complete, a registration link will be provided via email.

POSTC training credits will be considered upon completion.

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

Get Started

The Undergraduate Detective Certificate is an academic, credit-bearing program designed for individuals seeking specialized knowledge and professional development in the field of criminal investigations. Courses are taught by subject matter experts will extensive experience in law enforcement and major crime investigations.

Students complete four courses (12 credits) selected from a range of offerings focused on investigative methods, criminal law, crime scene analysis, and related topics. The curriculum is designed to enhance both theoretical understanding and practical application in investigative work.

Credits earned through the certificate program may be fully applied toward the completion of a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology. In addition, students may apply up to 12 credits earned through the Police Academy toward the B.A. degree, allowing for a streamlined academic pathway tailored to the needs of law enforcement professionals.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify key components necessary for understanding the investigatory process
  2. Describe legal and ethical practices for securing evidence and testitmony

Admission Requirements

The Graduate Advanced Detective Certificate is an academic, credit-bearing program designed for law enforcement professionals seeking advanced training in criminal investigations. Courses are taught by experienced subject matter experts with extensive backgrounds in major crime investigations and police practices.

Participants complete four courses (12 credits) selected from a range of graduate-level offerings focused on investigative techniques, criminal justice policy, and crime scene processing.

Credits earned through this certificate program may be applied toward the completion of ether a Master of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice or a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Criminal Justice Administration, providing a direct pathway for continued academic and professional advancement.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Apply investigative techniques to real world cases
  2. Assess the key elements necessary for an effective investigation
  3. Analyze legal and ethical practices for securing evidence and testimony

Admission Requirements

Featured Spring 2026 Class
Digital Forensics for Investigators

Digital Forensics for Investigators is your gateway to mastering the tools and techniques used to uncover digital evidence and build solid cases. This course provides investigators with the foundational principles and methodology required to handle and use digital evidence in a legally sound manner for investigations. Students will learn the core digital forensic process, which involves:

  • Identification: Determining what digital evidence exists and where it is stored.
  • Seizure & Preservation: Securing the digital scene and protecting evidence integrity.
  • Collection/Acquisition: Extracting the data in a forensically sound manner.
  • Examination & Analysis: Using forensic tools to uncover digital artifacts.
  • Presentation: Reporting findings, providing court exhibits and testimony.

Taught by: Emanuel Hatzikostas - Master Digital Forensic Examiner – with over 20 years of experience.

 

Emanuel Hatzikostas - Master Digital Forensic Examiner

Emanuel Hatzikostas is a highly accomplished and extensively certified Master Digital Forensic Examiner with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Since joining the FBI in 2013, he has been integral to the New Haven Field Office’s Computer Analysis Response Team (CART), where he leads operations as the CART Coordinator, trains forensic examiners, and provides expert testimony in both Federal and State trials. His expertise

encompasses advanced digital forensic analysis, audio/video examinations, and incident response.

Before his tenure at the FBI, Hatzikostas served as a Security Advisor/Forensic Investigator at Aetna, Inc., where he built and managed a global digital forensic unit and developed detection strategies to investigate acts of fraud, specific violations of company policy and acts of criminal nature that involve the operations of the company. He holds a Master of Science in CIT - Computer Science from Central Connecticut State University

and a Professional Certificate in Information Protection and Security from the University of New Haven, complementing his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of

Connecticut.

Hatzikostas boasts an impressive array of certifications, including FBI Master Digital

Forensic Examiner, International Society of Computer Forensic Examiners (ISCFE) Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) and multiple SANS GIAC certifications, alongside numerous

accolades such as the FBI Medal of Excellence and multiple awards from the United States Attorney's Office for his contributions to significant investigations. A recognized thought

leader in mobile forensics, he is a frequent speaker and instructor for law enforcement and legal professionals.