CPCC established the American Academy of Applied Forensics in 2001 to meet the region’s rapidly growing need for well-trained professionals in the field of crime scene investigation. Recognized as a national leader in workforce development, the college received a series of Congressional appropriations, secured by the North Carolina Congressional delegation led by Senators Jesse Helms and John Edwards and Representatives Sue Myrick and Mel Watt, to develop a state-of-the-art applied forensics program. As part of the three-year appropriations package, Congress appointed the National Institute of Justice to administer funding for the Academy and oversee its planning and development.

The goal of the Academy is to offer the most advanced and comprehensive applied forensics training available to law enforcement and medicolegal (coroners, doctors, nurses, etc.) investigative professionals. AAAF provides a full range of in-service training in both general applied forensics and digital evidence. Courses in each area are taught by the nation’s leading forensic experts in state-of-the-art training laboratories and classrooms.

By establishing AAAF, the U.S. Congress, through its generous appropriation, and the leaders of CPCC, are committed to supporting law enforcement and the pursuit of justice. Increasing the knowledge and skill of the professionals who first encounter evidence greatly increases the probability that evidence associated with crimes will be uncovered and, ultimately, more crimes will be solved.