Criminal Investigation Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

CRIJ-2314-001 Criminal Investigation

Prerequisites

Course Description

Investigatory theory; collection and preservation of evidence; sources of information; interview and interrogation; use of forensic sciences; case and trial preparation.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 Gilbert, James N. Criminal Investigation, 8th Edition. (2010)

Supplies

Student Performance

1. Define criminal investigation and the major goals therein. 
2. Explain the protocol for processing a crime scene and the individual responsibilities for all at the scene. 
3. Explain why field notes are important in an investigation. 
4. Discuss purposes of crime scene photography, video and sketches. 
5. Clarify when crime scene photographs, video and/or sketches are admissible in court. 
6. Summarize the common problems which can occur in many police reports and describe the characteristics of effective investigative reports. 
7. Identify which constitutional amendment restricts investigative searches. 
8. Describe what the exclusionary rule is and how it affects investigators. 
9. Discuss when a warrantless search is justified. 
10. Describe what precedents are established by the Carroll, Chimel, Chambers, Mapp, Terry and Weeks decisions. 
11. Define physical evidence and determine what qualifies as evidence; describe the various methods of processing physical evidence and explain its role in the investigation process. 
12. Define and compare interior and exterior search patterns. 
13. Describe how to ensure admissibility of physical evidence in court. 
14. Describe the various sources of information that are available to investigators. 
15. Explain the goals of interviewing and interrogating and the techniques utilized. 
16. Describe what restrictions are placed on obtaining a confession. 
17. Describe the four basic means of identifying a suspect. 
18. Define the different types of surveillances. 
19. Outline the four categories of death. 
20. Report the different factors that can aid in estimating time of death. 
21. Describe the most frequent causes of unnatural death and how to determine whether a death is a suicide or a homicide. 
22. Articulate the elements of attempted assault, simple assault and aggravated assault. 
23. Compare how to prove the elements of both simple and aggravated assault. 
24. Explain what constitutes stalking and elder abuse. 
25. Describe how sex offenses are classified. 
26. Explain what modus operandi factors are important in investigating a sexual assault. 
27. Define the three federal statutes that form the basis for sex offender registries. 
28. Describe the crimes frequently committed against children. 
29. Explain the challenges involved in investigating crimes against children. 
30. Define robbery and its various classifications. 
31. Explain the two basic classifications of burglary. 
32. Differentiate larceny from burglary and robbery and describe the elements of each. 
33. Identify the five major categories of motor vehicle theft. 
34. Describe how fires are classified, the special challenges in an arson investigation and who is responsible for investigating arson cases. 
35. Describe when it is illegal to use or sell narcotics or dangerous drugs and what physical evidence can prove these offenses. 
36. Discuss what precautions to take in undercover drug buys and how to avoid a charge of entrapment. 
37. Discuss what special challenges are involved in investigating illegal activities of gangs. 
38. Discuss how to prepare and review a case for court. 
39. Explain what occurs during the pre-trial conference. 
40. Describe how to testify most effectively
 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

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In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

1. Be in class on time, stay until the class is over.
2. All cell phones, or other electronic communications devices, except laptops used solely for class note taking / presentations are to be turned off.
3. All students utilizing tap tops must sit on the front row and are subject to viewing by the instructor.
4. Sleeping in class is unacceptable and will result in a rude awaking as well as loss of participation points.
5. Come to class prepared.
6. Common respect and courtesy toward the instructor and fellow students is required. You are not required to agree with the ideas or opinions of others but you are required to show respect to any person voicing them.
7. Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero, removal from class and referral to the college administration.
8. Most importantly, come prepared to ask questions and offer ideas.
9. Any problems with the material or class should be brought to the instructor’s attention as soon as possible.
 

Grading Criteria

Homework Assignments: Homework assignments will be given at various times during the semester. All instructions for assignments, including the due date, will be discussed in class at the time the assignment is given.

Late assignments will NOT be accepted. If you fail to turn your assignment in on the specified date, you will receive a grade of zero.
All homework assignments will be averaged together for a cumulative grade that will comprise twenty percent (20%) of your final grade for the course.

Chapter Exams: There will be three chapter exams. They will cover assigned reading, lectures, guest speakers, discussions and videos for the specified time period. The exam dates are listed on the class calendar.

All make-up exams will be given on May 1, 2012 between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. If an exam has to be made up, the maximum grade you will be eligible to make is an 85.

Chapter exam grades will be averaged together for a cumulative exam average that will comprise thirty percent (30%) of your final grade for the course.

Participation/Attendance: Attendance will be taken each class period. An attendance grade will be given based on the corresponding number of absences:

Perfect Attendance: A+ (100)
1 absence: A (95)
2 absences: B (85)
3 absences: C (75)
4 absences D (65)
5 absences F for the course.
There will be no excused absences. If you arrive to class late, it is your responsibility to make sure I’ve marked you present, otherwise the absence will stand.

While attendance is mandatory, participation is also required. You should come prepared to participate in class discussions and role playing. Lack of participation or obvious lack of preparation will drop your attendance grade by fifteen (15) points.

Attendance/Participation will comprise ten percent (10%) of your total grade for the course.

Final Exam: The final exam will be administered per the “Final Exam Schedule”, as posted toward the end of the semester. It will be a comprehensive exam and will comprise forty percent (40%) of your total grade for the course.
 

Grading Scale
A (100-90) B (89-80) C (79-70) D (69-60) F (59-0)
Make-up Policy
See Grading Criteria section of this syllabus.
Required Exams
See Grading Criteria section of this syllabus.
Final Exam
See Grading Criteria section of this syllabus.
 

Attendance

The student is responsible for attendance. Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. While the text and associated written material will provide essential information for successful test performance, the majority of the material on the tests will come during classroom lectures / discussions. If conflicts of schedule, lack of interest in the class or other issues arise, it is the student’s responsibility to drop the course or withdraw from the college. Your instructor cannot do this for you. Failure to drop the course within the time frames established by the college will result in the student receiving a failing performance grade.

Students with five (5) or more absences will automatically receive a grade of “F” for the course, regardless of the grade average at the time of the fifth absence.

Calendar

Additional Information

 Class Meeting Location: West Campus, Building C, Room 103

** In instances when classes are cancelled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, students should check their e-mail on MyAC for class information.