CRIJ130 Criminal Investigation/Forensics

Department of Social & Behavioral Science: Criminal Justice

  1. Course Number and Title

    CRIJ130 Criminal Investigation/Forensics

  2. Number of Credits

    3 credits

  3. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester

    2250

  4. Prerequisites

    CRIJ100 (C or better)

    Corequisites

    None

  5. Other Pertinent Information

    None

  6. Catalog Course Description

    This course introduces students to the fundamentals of criminal investigation, rules of evidence, sources of information, observations, descriptions, and identifications. The major areas of focus include collection techniques, preservation techniques, and the processing of physical evidence, records, reports, and statements by police investigators.

  7. Required Course Content and Direction

    1. Learning Goals:

      1. Course
        2. Students will:
        1. demonstrate an understanding of the basic processes and skills required of police criminal investigators;
        2. examine the role of police investigators in the judicial process; and
        3. demonstrate an understanding of the elements of various crimes and the various tests/procedures that help to develop a criminal case.

      2. Core (if applicable)
        3. This course is not included in the Core.

    2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

      1. investigation photography
      2. notes and reports
      3. crime scene sketches
      4. searches
      5. obtaining physical evidence
      6. obtaining information
      7. role of police investigators including identifying and arresting suspects, undercover assignments, and raids
      8. robbery
      9. assault
      10. sex offenses
      11. crimes against children
      12. crimes against property: burglary, larceny, computer-related crime, motor vehicle theft, and arson
      13. various procedures and surveillances used to develop a criminal case

    3. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

      1. Course
        2. The assessment of course learning goals is based on participation in classroom discussions, written exams, assignments, papers, and/or performance based tasks and projects.

      2. Core (if applicable)
        3. This course is not included in the Core.

    4. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

      See course format.

  8. Teaching Methods Employed

    Section VIII is not being used in new and revised syllabi as of 12/10/08.

Review/Approval Date -11/98; Revised 4/2011