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OSBI Practicum Program


The OSBI practicum program partners with local colleges or universities for the educational benefit of undergraduate students in their junior or senior year or graduate students.  The practicum program provides the opportunity for a student to train in an educational environment for a semester under the direction of an OSBI employee while concurrently receiving educational credit from a university.

Practicum placement opportunities depend upon the availability of the OSBI unit and may vary each semester.  Potential placement opportunities include:

OSBI Forensic Science Center

The OSBI Forensic Science Center provides a multitude of forensic science services to law enforcement agencies operating within Oklahoma.

  • Latent Evidence Unit – specializes in latent print examination, development, and comparisons.
  • Firearms and Toolmarks Unit – specializes in the identification of fired ammunition components, firearms functionality, serial number restoration, and toolmark identification.
  • Forensic Biology Unit* – specializes in the identification of body fluids and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis.
  • Trace Evidence Unit – specializes in fiber, paint, fracture match, fire debris, and gunshot residue examinations.
  • Controlled Substances Unit* – specializes in the analysis of unknown powders, crystals, liquids, tablets, and plant material to determine the chemical identity. 
  • Forensic Toxicology Unit* – specializes in the analysis of blood and urine samples for alcoholic content and intoxicating substances. 

Information Services Division

Located at OSBI Headquarters, the Information Services Division is the central repository for all criminal records in Oklahoma and is responsible for collecting data ranging from statewide crime statistics to information for criminal history checks as well as houses the Information Technology Division.

  • Criminal History Section – Builds, maintains, and updates the state’s criminal history records.
  • Fingerprinting, Licensing and Communications Section - Performs forensic analysis of fingerprint impressions to insure the intgity and accuracy of the fingerpint database for the Sate of Olahoma, houses the Communications Center which is the 24/7/365 Watch Desk for the OSBI and includes the Sel-Defense Act Licensing Unit which processes applications and background information for SDA handgun licensing.
  • Data Collection and Reporting Section - Trains and supports Oklahoma law enforcement in the collection of crime statistics as well as training law enforcement to collect Livescan and ink fingerprints as well as DNA collection.  This section also responds to name-based record check requests from the public and processes record check though out electronic Criminal History Portal (CHIRP) as well as houses the Statistical Analysis Center which measures, analyzes, and produces reports for Crime in Oklahoma.
  • Information Technology Division – Supplies IT services and support within a Criminal Justice IT environment.

Investigative Services Division

The OSBI Investigative Services Division provides a wide range of criminal investigative assistance to law enforcement throughout the state.

  • Crime Scene Investigations Unit* – conducts thorough and objective crime scene investigations through scene documentation, evidence collection, and crime scene reconstruction and prepares extensive reports.
  • Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit* – performs digital analysis relating to the exploitation of children and teenagers through online activity.
  • Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Unit – conducts thorough investigations on Task Force Sexual Assault cases using a victim-centered approach and offers support resources to sexual assault survivors.
  • Criminal Intelligence Unit – identify, locate, and determine critical criminal history information to aid agents and law enforcement agencies during investigations.

Legal Division

Located at OSBI Headquarters, the Legal Division* offers proactive and reliable advice and representation for the legal needs of the OSBI.

How to Apply


If interested in the OSBI practicum program, please complete the required documents listed on the OSBI Practicum Student Application Checklist under the Resources section below and mail the application packet to:

OSBI Forensic Science Center
ATTN:  OSBI Laboratory Director, Practicum Program
800 East 2nd Street
Edmond, OK 73034

**Packets will be received in one central location before being reviewed and shared with applicable OSBI Division Practicum Program personnel for consideration.

Application Deadlines


  • Spring Semester – October 1st
  • Summer and Fall Semester – March 1st

To request additional information or any questions regarding the OSBI practicum program, please email practicum@osbi.ok.gov.

Note:  Any illegal drug use, including marihuana, in the 2 years prior to the application process is an automatic disqualifier.  Participation in the OSBI practicum program is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation and the final acceptance decisions rests exclusively with the OSBI.

Resources


* Requires completion of specific college courses

Last Modified on May 23, 2024
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