Forensic and criminal sciences have seen a remarkable increase in knowledge and techniques in recent decades, placing them at the top of the vocational and professional interests of many citizens who see the various associated areas as viable and attractive career possibilities in the field of investigation. In Portugal there are several internationally recognized experts and the Judiciary Police has been considered one of the best and most effective at international level. Forensic and criminal investigations are characterized by well-established stages and professionally and ethically legitimized technical responsibilities. However, there has been a clear shortage of human resources in some of these stages and, above all, a lack of training courses for these technicians.

- Holders of the 12th grade or legally equivalent qualification; - Holders of CETs, CTeSPs or higher education degrees; - Over 23s - those who have passed the tests specially designed to assess their ability to attend higher education.

The CTeSP in Forensic and Criminal Laboratory at the Escola Superior de Saúde Ribeiro Sanches, of the Instituto Politécnico da Lusofonia, aims to train technicians capable of planning, analyzing, developing and executing laboratory analysis operations in accordance with procedures, regulations and practices during the processing of evidence/samples for criminal and civil investigations

- Managing the packaging, storage and preservation of forensic samples and traces; - Analyze chain of custody requirements; - Manage the reception and registration of samples; - Analyzing and carrying out laboratory tests; - Coordinating the disinfection and sterilization of laboratories and materials, respectively; - Assisting the technicians responsible for carrying out autopsies; - Organizing and archiving samples and expert reports; - Managing sample destruction procedures; - Organizing and storing reagents according to chemical incompatibilities.

- Teaching and Research Institutions; - Institute of Forensic Medicine; - Analysis laboratories, hospital units, veterinary clinics; - Security forces (PJ and GNR); - Food and chemical industries.