Catalog Description

Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Fundamentals of crime scene investigation and the forensic sciences for the basic investigator and field crime scene technician; addresses the theory, techniques, and procedures for evidence identification and collection at major and minor crime scenes; preservation of evidence, chain of custody; roles and responsibilities of investigators; scientific principals of forensics; inter-agency collaboration and resources; proper documentation in preparation for criminal trials. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Identify and explain different categories of evidence, their usefulness in helping to investigate a crime, and the techniques used to collect and preserve said evidence.
  • CSLO #2: Compare and contrast different techniques for collecting and preserving crime scene evidence.
  • CSLO #3: Apply current techniques in properly processing and documenting various types of crime scenes.

Effective Term

Fall 2019

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

1. Identify the scientific theories that govern the applications of modern forensic science and crime scene investigation.
2. Analyze elements likely to contaminate a crime scene.
3. Develop a list of common roles and responsibilities of investigators at both major and minor crime scenes.
4. Recognize common techniques to implement proper crime scene security.
5. Recognize, identify, and practice methods of properly documenting and preserving the integrity of evidence at various crime scenes through photography, illustrations, and computer-aided design software.
6. Analyze the importance of establishing and maintaining proper chain-of-custody of crime-scene evidence.
7. Identify and apply current techniques used in the collection of imprint and impression evidence.
8. Identify and apply current techniques used in the collection of trace and DNA evidence.
9. Identify and apply current techniques used in the documentation and analysis of blood spatter evidence.
10. Recognize and discuss methods to properly contain evidence and understand the importance of chain of custody.
11. Inventory resources available – from other government agencies and universities – to process specialized types of evidence and scenes.
12. Compare and contrast the resources necessary to effectively and efficiently process various types of crime scenes.
13. Describe and analyze special considerations and observations for a homicide scene.
14. Analyze various real world case studies involving different circumstances and the techniques used at each scene.
15. Create a report which clearly and thoroughly documents a crime scene investigation.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • CSU Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Objective Examinations
            • Example: Students will properly identify the roles and responsibilities of crime scene investigators as they relate to properly establishing and maintaining chain of custody.
          • Reports
            • Example: After participating in a mock crime scene during which they will locate and collect evidence, students will document the scene with a detailed written report, including relevant crime scene photos, sketches, etc.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Lecture:

          1. Using power point slides and videos, the instructor will lead class discussion on various roles and responsibilities of the crime scene investigator. Following the discussion, Instructor will provide the students with several workstations, where imprint and impression evidence has been set up. Students will rotate through and attempt to identify and document evidence at each workstation. Each student will then write a brief synopsis on how the evidence was documented and/or collected. Students will then discuss their findings in small groups.

          Distance Learning

          1. Instructor will provide lecture slides and videos related to homicide investigations; students will participate in Discussion Board related to special considerations of processing homicide crime scenes.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Students will read and analyze five periodicals containing articles which relate to crime scene investigations and current crime scene technologies. 2. Students will read sample reports prepared by CSI technicians to become familiar with required content and format of these types of reports.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Students will investigate a mock crime scene where they will locate evidence, discuss collection techniques, demonstrate proper packaging techniques, measure the scene, and develop a rudimentary crime scene sketch. 2. Students will be given a series of imprint/impression evidence to develop and demonstrate the documentation of each type of evidence. Students will then write a short synopsis on the techniques used and present their findings in a group setting.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          1. Small groups of students will be given a case study of a crime scene to analyze. They will then come up with a way to manage the scenario, assume specific individual roles and discuss the collection of the evidence. Students will then prepare individual reports on what they did, presenting their findings (as an investigator would in an official report).

          Required Materials

          • Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation
            • Author: Barry A. J. Fisher, David R. Fisher
            • Publisher: CRC Press
            • Publication Date: 2019
            • Text Edition: 9th
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Forensic Science
            • Author: Stuart James
            • Publisher: CRC Press
            • Publication Date: 2014
            • Text Edition: 4th
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.