CRIJ130 Criminal Investigation/Forensics
Department of Social & Behavioral Science: Criminal Justice
- I. Course Number and Title
- CRIJ130 Criminal Investigation/Forensics
- II. Number of Credits
- 3 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 2250
- IV. Prerequisites
- CRIJ100 or
- Corequisites
- CRIJ100
- V. Other Pertinent Information
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- This course introduces students to the fundamentals of criminal investigations, rules of evidence, sources of information, observations, descriptions, and identifications. The major areas of focus include collection techniques, preservation techniques, technological aids in investigating, and the processing of physical evidence, records, reports, and statements by police investigators.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
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Course Learning Goals
Students will:
- explain the basic processes and skills required of police investigators;
- examine the role of police investigators in the judicial process;
- demonstrate an understanding of the elements of various crimes and the various tests/procedures that help to develop a criminal case; and
- analyze and examine results derived from technological aids, such as evidentiary software programs.
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Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
- Investigation photography
- Notes and reports
- Crime scene sketches
- Searches
- Obtaining physical evidence
- Obtaining information
- Role of police investigators, including identifying and arresting suspects, undercover assignments, and raids
- Robbery
- Assault
- Sex offenses
- Crimes against children
- Crimes against property
- Various surveillances and procedures used to develop a criminal case
- Use of technological aids utilizing evidentiary software programs
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Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
Course learning goals are assessed with in-class exams, electronically administered exams, essays, written assignments, multi-media projects, including use of evidentiary software programs and/or participation in classroom/online discussions. -
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
See course syllabus.
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Review/Approval Date -11/98; Revised 4/2011; New Core 8/2015