I do not have an office at Amarillo College. If a meeting is required, we can schedule an office at the campus as needed. I can be reached through email or by phone, both are listed above.
Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. <strong>The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor. </strong>
If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.
Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.
If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.
As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc
Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.
NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.
The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students. If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .
CRIJ-2314-002 Criminal Investigation
Investigative theory; collection and preservation of evidence; sources of information; interview and interrogation; uses of forensic sciences; case and trial preparation.
Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website
Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:
Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:
Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me
You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.
(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)
Online Course
Criminal Investigation, Fifth Edition, Brandl, Steven G.
All students enrolling in this class must have access to a working computer, active and functioning internet service, some type of word processing program, Adobe Acrobat Reader and exhibit computer competency.
Adobe Acrobat Reader may be downloaded FREE from https://get.adobe.com/reader/.
GOOGLE Apps
Students should utilize their Google Apps for completing course assignments. To access your Google Apps follow the steps listed below:
Step 1| Log onto AC Connect.
Step 2| Click on the Google Apps Email link in the top right of the page.
Step 3| Once on your student email page, you will see an icon in the upper right corner that has 9 little boxes in a group. Click on that icon and it will take you to your Google Apps.
Step 4| Choose the appropriate app needed. As a helpful hint, you’ll use “Docs” to write your discussion posts and other written assignments and “Slides” for your introduction assignment as well as your class project presentations (if applicable).
Assistance with Computer Access
If you don’t have a computer, you may access the computers at the AC Library on the 4th floor of the WARE Building. Click on the link to access phone numbers, hours of operation and locations for all Amarillo College libraries and computing centers: https://www.actx.edu/library/.
The Amarillo College Bookstore has a laptop rental program. Contact them to find out more information about the requirements and terms of the program.
Amarillo College Writer’s Corner
The Writer’s Corner is an excellent resource available to you for assistance in the writing needs of the course. You can access additional information at https://www.actx.edu/english/writerscorner.
EMAIL ADDRESS: writerscorner@actx.edu Phone: 345-5580 LOCATION: Ordway Hall, Room 102
Fall & Spring Semesters
Monday – Thursday
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Summer Sessions
Monday - Thursday
8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Understand the process and procedures of a criminal investigation.
Determine the role of evidence in a criminal investigation.
Compare and contrast the variations in investigation guidelines for different types of crimes.
Be familiar with the legal requirements of a criminal investigation and the subsequent procedures for preparing a case for presentation and successful conclusion of the adjudication process.
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".
Students are expected to be respectful of other or differing opinions throughout this course. Students are also expected to complete their own work and submit it by the deadlines.
Students' grades for this course will be comprised of the following percentages and types of assignments:
Coursework [30%] There are a variety of assignments in this category related to content vocabulary, assigned course readings and/or written assignments.
Discussion Assignments [20%] There will be several discussion assignments in which the student will be required to publish a discussion post based on an assigned discussion prompt and then respond to at least five (5) of his or her classmates' postings.
Midterm Exam [30%] The mid-term exam is included in Week 4, contains 100 multiple-choice and true-false questions, and addresses all material covered to date (through Week 4).
Crime Scene Project [20%] This culminating project serves as the final exam for the course. All information necessary for the completion of this project will be provided to students early in the semester to provide ample time for completion of all required elements therein.
See the Crime Scene Project link under the COURSE MENU on the left side of the screen in the class site on Blackboard.
Assignment Deadlines
It’s imperative for students in an academic setting to learn how to manage their course workload, assignments and time for future success in a real-world environment. Due dates for the entire semester will be listed on the course calendar from the first day of class. I reserve the right to make determinations regarding acceptance of late assignments on a case-by-case basis.
Unless otherwise noted, all assignments, quizzes and exams will be due no later than 11:59 p.m. on the specified date, as referenced on the calendar.
If there is a valid emergency or circumstance beyond your control, you may contact me prior to the due date of the assignment(s) to discuss your options and any potential late penalties that may be applied.
It is your responsibility to ensure you have access to a working computer and functioning internet service to access the course and submit your assignments. DO NOT wait until the last minute to complete your assignments. Forgetting to do an assignment or having an internet malfunction at the last minute are NOT sufficient excuses for submitting an assignment late. Please understand this policy is present and adhered to in the interest of fairness to all students in the class.
Grading of Assignments
You can access your grades at any time by clicking on the Grades link under the course menu on the left sidebar of the course site.
Homework and discussion assignment grades will be available as soon as possible. Grades will be based on format, the student’s compliance with all assignment requirements, accurateness and comprehensiveness of answers. A rubric will be provided for all written assignments. The time frame for the posting of grades is tentative. There will be occasions when it will take longer to post the grades.
Understand minimal work will receive a minimal grade. Don’t assume just because you completed the minimum requirements for the assignment you will receive a perfect score. General feedback will be given on the first assignments. However, due to the number of students and workload, feedback on subsequent assignments will be limited to citing incorrect answers, etc. or explaining why a grade is extremely low (below 70).
You can always check your current class average so you know where you stand. If you have any questions regarding your grades, you are encouraged to contact your professor.
Final Course Grade Assignment (Grading Schema)
Final letter grades in the course will be assigned utilizing the schema listed below. Unless otherwise noted, there will be no exceptions to this schema made by the professor. Grades are not negotiable. Your final course grade will be based on your work in the course.
Letter Grade | Corresponding Numerical Value |
A | 90-100 |
B | 80-89 |
C | 70-79 |
D | 60-69 |
F | 59 and below |
REGULAR ATTENDANCE IS NECESSARY FOR SATISFACTORY ACHIEVEMENT IN THIS CLASS. THEREFORE, IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ATTEND CLASS, EVEN IN AN ONLINE SETTING.
See the class shell in Blackboard for a comprehensive calendar with assignments and due dates.
Week 1 Introduction to Your Course and Classmates
Syllabus Overview
Course Policies and Guidelines
Week 2
Chapter 1 - The Investigation of Crime
Chapter 2 - The History of Criminal Investigation
Chapter 3 - The Role and Documentation of Evidence in Criminal Investigations
Week 3
Chapter 4 - The Law and Criminal Investigations
Chapter 5 - The Crime Scene, Forensic Evidence and DNA
Chapter 6 - Interviews and Eyewitness Identifications
Chapter 7 - Interrogations and Confessions
Week 4
Chapter 8 - Behavioral Evidence and Crime Analysis
Chapter 9 - Digital Evidence
Chapter 10 - Information from Social Media, The Public, Video, Information Networks, and Other Sources
Week 5
Chapter 11 - Death Investigation
Chapter 12 - The Investigation of Sex Crimes, Assault, Domestic Violence, and Child Abuse
Chapter 13 - The Investigation of Robbery
Week 6
Chapter 14 - The Investigation of Burglary, Vehicle Theft, Arson, and Other Property Crimes
Chapter 15 - The Investigation of Fraud and Cybercrime
Week 7
Chapter 16 - The Presentation of Evidence
Chapter 17 - Terrorism, Technology, and the Future of Criminal Investigation
Week 8
Application
Tutoring/Assistance with Course
The Criminal Justice Department at Amarillo College endeavors to support each student’s goals for success by providing additional academic support services to those in need. If your cumulative grade average for this course falls below a 70, you will be strongly encouraged to access tutoring and other academic resources the instructor feels is appropriate.
Any student needing assistance with any aspect of the course content should contact their instructor to schedule a tutoring session. Tutoring sessions are offered at no charge and can be conducted on campus or via telephone. Arrangements can be made to schedule a time that is convenient for the student.
Student Academic Help/ Student Resources
There are a variety of resources available to help students with issues they may be experiencing throughout the semester. You are encouraged to contact your instructor with any questions or problems you might have while taking the course. In addition, you may access many of the various student resources at: https://www.actx.edu/student-resources.
Reproduction of Course Materials
Students are prohibited from reproducing any portion of this class without written permission from the instructor of record or authorization through Disability Services. This includes, but is not limited to, lecture notes, class discussion boards or any other class materials. For purposes of the policy herein, “reproducing” applies to photographic reproduction, audio, video, or any other type of reproduction of course materials.
Students who create and/or share an unauthorized reproduction of course materials via any means, including social media, are violating an instructor's intellectual property rights and could potentially be subjected to disciplinary actions under the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct. Additionally, should any reproduction be shown of proprietary materials, the student who created or shared the unauthorized reproduction may also be subject to copyright laws.
This policy has been adopted by all instructors in the Criminal Justice Department. Questions or concerns should be directed to Sarah Uselding, Program Coordinator and/or Eric Wallace, Director.
Extra-Credit Opportunities
Determinations regarding whether or not extra-credit opportunities will be afforded to students is at the discretion of the instructor. In the event an option for extra-credit is offered by the instructor, comprehensive guidelines and information will be provided to the student. Students are not required to participate in extra-credit opportunities.
This policy has been adopted by all instructors in the Criminal Justice Department. Questions or concerns should be directed to Sarah Uselding, Program Coordinator and/or Eric Wallace, Director.
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