Course Outline of Record

Item	Value
Top Code	210500 - Administration of Justice
Units	3 Total Units
Hours	54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours	0
Course Credit Status	Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee	No
Basic Skills	Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable	No
Open Entry/Open Exit	No
Grading Policy	Standard Letter (S),  Pass/No Pass (B)

Course Description

This course examines fundamental principles and procedures employed to effectively investigate criminal cases. Students explore traditional methods used to manage crime scenes, preserve evidence and write reports. Students also recognize how to effectively develop sources of information, as well as obtain information from witnesses and suspects. Emphasis is placed on the investigation of specific crimes and the role of the investigator as a liaison in the criminal trial. Transfer Credit: CSU. C-ID: AJ 140.C-ID: AJ 140.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

1. Given a case study, explain important case management concepts when dealing with crimes against persons and/or property.
2. Given a case study, analyze important investigative principles related to death investigations, including cause of death, legal charactierstics, crime scene considerations, autopsy findings, and investigative pitfalls.

Course Objectives

• 1. Utilize investigative techniques to successfully develop a criminal case for prosecution.
• 2. Identify how investigators manage crime scenes and collect physical evidence.
• 3. Apply important investigative principles to the writing of well-written police reports.
• 4. Classify the different types of physical evidence and assess how to preserve them.
• 5. Examine the role of the crime lab in criminal investigation.
• 6. Recognize how to cultivate specific sources of information for investigative purposes.
• 7. Compare and contrast different interviewing and interrogation techniques.

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Lecture Content

INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION The History of Criminal Investigation Structure and Content Types of Investigators Psychological Profiling Geographical Profiling THE INVESTIGATIVE PROCESS The Initial Investigation Field Notes and Written Reports Information Theory and the Investigative Process How Law Impacts Criminal Investigations Rules of Evidence CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATIONS AND FORENSICS Recording the Crime Scene The Nature of Physical Evidence Types of Physical Evidence Role of Crime Labs DNA Analysis SOURCES OF INFORMATION Cultivating Information Traditional Sources Maintenance of Informants Crime Analysis and Mapping Computer Information INTERVIEWS AND INTERROGATIONS Types of Witnesses Obtaining Information Memory and Investigative Tools The Art of Interrogation Successful Interrogation Techniques Legal Aspects of Interrogation CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS Homicide Investigations Sex Crimes and other Assaults Robbery Kidnapping Crimes Against Children CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY Burglary Larceny/Theft Motor Vehicle Theft White-Collar Crime/Fraud Arson, Bombings, Explosives TRIAL CONSIDERATIONS Legal Aspects of Evidence The Trial Process The Investigator as Witness The Role of Investigative Reports Reasons for Errors in Justice Outcomes THE FUTURE OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION The Future of Policing Technology and the Future of Crime Detection Implications of Technology on Criminal Investigation Homeland Security Considerations

Method(s) of Instruction

• Lecture (02)
• DE Online Lecture (02X)

Instructional Techniques

Instructor will utilize lecture, case studies, simulations, flash cards, DVD/videotaped scenarios, computer generated presentations, web-based information distribution, and facilitate classroom discussions.

Reading Assignments

Students will complete assigned reading from the course textbook, selected legal briefs and case studies, and articles related to course topics.

Writing Assignments

Students will prepare investigative reports based upon previous criminal cases.

Out-of-class Assignments

Students will study for quizzes and the final examination, complete required readings, and prepare written reports and summaries.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Students will demonstrate critical thinking through the analysis of case studies, legal briefs, sample legal problems, ethical issues, security trends, and statistical data related to crime.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Students will prepare reports based upon law case briefs related to important U.S. Supreme Court decisions, demonstrate the ability to calculate crime analysis problems and other statistical information using basic mathematical formulas, and write summaries of articles relating to course topics.

Eligible Disciplines

Administration of justice (police science, corrections, law enforcement): Any bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Lyman, M. Criminal Investigation: The Art and Science, 9th ed. Pearson: Prentice Hall, 2020

Other Resources

1. Coastline Library