The Forensic Science Initiative (FSI) is the training, outreach, and research effort of Forensic Science at West Virginia University. FSI’s primary mission is to provide free training and continuing education to public forensic service providers, including law enforcement officers. FSI currently offers 25 online continuing education courses in a variety of subjects related to forensic science. In addition, the Initiative hosts the in-person, “Continuing Education for Forensic Professionals Program.” This event hosts an average of 300 professionals and is held at various locations nationwide bi-annually. (For more info about the Programs, visit Continuing Education for Forensic Professionals Program )

FSI also provides outreach to the forensic science community. The Initiative provides assistance to West Virginia University’s Library Special Collections to house the International Association for Identification (IAI) library. The Initiative also works closely with the College of Business and Economics on programs that fill management needs in the forensic community.

Working closely with WVU’s nationally-recognized Forensic and Investigative Sciences program, the FSI exposes students to specialized training in a variety of forensic disciplines by offering the students opportunities to participate and help in the continuing education programs.

WVU’s FSI partners with many professional forensic science organizations and other forensic science agencies to provide continuing education on the science behind modern crime investigations.

All of these opportunities are thanks to congressionally directed earmarks from Senator Robert C. Byrd’s Office and a cooperative agreement with the National Institute of Justice (NIJ).