ADMJ 0054. Introduction to Investigation

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Fundamentals of investigation; addresses the techniques, procedures, and investigation of crime, including organization of crime scene searches and recording; collection and preservation of evidence; sources of information; surveillance; interview and interrogation; follow-up investigation; resources; scientific analysis of evidence, case preparation and the role of the investigator in the trial process. (C-ID AJ 140) (CSU)

ADMJ 0054 - Introduction to Investigation

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/admj-0054/

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 54 lecture Description: Fundamentals of investigation; addresses the techniques, procedures, and investigation of crime, including organization of crime scene searches and recording; collection and preservation of evidence; sources of information; surveillance; interview and interrogation; follow-up investigation; resources; scientific analysis of evidence, case preparation and the role of the investigator in the trial process. (C-ID AJ 140) (CSU) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Apply current techniques in documenting a crime scene, property and evidence. Identify and explain various types of evidence and their use in the investigation process. Compare and contrast methods and legalities of obtaining suspect information by applying various interview and interrogation techniques. Course Content Outline I. Introduction II. Criminal Investigations A. Criminal Investigation Definitions B. Goals of Criminal Investigations C. Basic Functions of an Investigator D. Characteristics of an Effective Investigator 1. Ethical Considerations E. Overview of the Investigative Process 1. First Response through Criminal Adjudication F. Characteristics of a Successful Investigation III. Documenting the Crime Scene A. Note Taking 1. Admissibility of notes in court B. Investigative Photography C. Sketching the Crime Scene 1. Rough Sketch and Final Sketch D. Writing Effective Reports 1. Use of Reports 2. Characteristics of a Well Written Report IV. Searches A. Legal Limitations 1. Search Warrant 2. Plain View 3. Consent 4. Exigent/Emergency Circumstances 5. Probation and Parole Searches B. Search Patterns V. Forensics/Physical Evidence A. Types and Uses of Evidence B. Investigative Equipment C. Crime Scene Integrity D. Collection and Preservation of Evidence E. Evidence Handling and Infectious Diseases VI. Obtaining Information and Intelligence A. Sources of Information 1. Data Information Systems 2. Information vs. Intelligence B. Interviewing and Interrogating Suspects 1. The Interview 2. The Interrogation C. Miranda Issues D. Scientific Aids to Obtain and Evaluate Information VII. Identifying and Arresting Suspects A. Development of Suspects B. Location of Suspects C. Suspect Confirmation D. Surveillance E. Undercover Assignments F. Arrest Legalities G. Civil Liabilities VIII. Investigating Violent Crimes A. Death Investigations B. Assault, Domestic Violence, Stalking, and Elder Abuse C. Sex Offenses D. Crimes Against Children and Youths E. Robbery IX. Investigating Crimes Against Property A. Burglary B. Larceny/Theft, Fraud, and White-Collar Crime C. Motor Vehicle Theft D. Arson, Bombs, and Explosives X. Other Challenges to the Criminal Investigator A. Computer Crime and its Evolution into Cybercrime B. Drug-Related Crime and Organized Crime C. Criminal Activities of Gangs and Other Dangerous Groups D. Terrorism and Homeland Security E. Preparing for and Presenting Cases in Court Course Objectives Course Objectives 1. Analyze the characteristics of an effective investigator and their importance in the judicial process; 2. Identify critical ethical issues relating to criminal investigations; 3. Describe successive steps of the criminal investigation process beginning with first responder to the crime scene; 4. Describe the duties and safety considerations for the first responder; 5. Apply current techniques in documenting the description of property/evidentiary items found in a crime scene as well as their location; 6. Apply and demonstrate the legal considerations related to crime scene searches and seizures of evidence; 7. Contrast the various methods of evidence collection, preservation and crime scene security; 8. Identify the role of forensic examination in a criminal investigative process; 9. Recognize, identify and explain the types of evidence and their uses in the criminal investigation process; 10. Compare and contrast the various methods and legalities of obtaining suspect information, including interviewing and interrogating witnesses and suspects and use of data information systems; 11. Describe nature and types of violent crimes based on a criminal investigation and crime elements; and 12. Develop a list of common evidence found at property crime scenes. Methods of Evaluation Objective Examinations Problem Solving Examinations Skill Demonstrations Reading Assignments 1. Students will collect and analyze five current event articles which relate to different crimes and identify the crime elements. 2. Based on assigned readings students will compare and contrast various Intelligence sources available to the criminal investigator. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Students will investigate a mock crime scene where they will locate and record evidence through the development of a crime scene sketch. 2. Students will be given a crime scene scenario where they will conduct an interview of a "witness" and then write a report documenting the details of the interview. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Sample Assignment: Given a scenario-based problem, the students will be placed into groups of 4-5 to analyze the given scenario and will submit their findings in an oral presentation to the class for discussion and evaluation. Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

Administration of Justice

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/departments/administration-justice/

Overview The Administration of Justice program offers students an Associate Degree for Transfer which prepares students for transfer into the California State University system. In addition, there are three associate degrees offered with specific areas of concentration. Each concentration has specific core courses that are required of all students. Courses are available in law enforcement, specializing in police activities that promote public safety and service to the community; courts, specializing in responsibilities to the public through the trial system of adjudication; and corrections, where sentenced individuals are subjected to society's effort to provide accountability and correct the deviant behavior. The Administration of Justice program also offers a number of POST certified peace officer training courses, including PC 832 Arrest and Firearms, as well as Modules III and II of the POST Regular Basic Course (Law Enforcement Academy). Successful completion of the two modules allows students to be hired as Level III or Level II Reserve Peace Officers in California. The Department also offers some in-service POST training courses for continuing professional development. TRANSFER MAJOR REQUIREMENTS in Administration of Justice are available in the Counseling Center. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for specific transfer requirements. Four-year graduates in Administration of Justice are qualified for career pathways in law enforcement, the courts and corrections. Faculty Ralph McGill Professor, Administration of Justice B.A., New College of California