Faculty Syllabus

Description: An introduction to the fundamentals of criminal investigation, including theory, history, crime scenes, and evidence matters.

Requirements: Each student must have basic computer skills for this course. The instructor will not be able spend time with students on computer use, techniques or systems. This course is not a correspondence course or a work-at-your-own-pace format. This course is dynamic and requires attention and participation. We hope to facilitate a course that will offer you a challenge and an opportunity to meet your educational goals. Therefore, we require that each student visit (and participate) the class site (announcement page and discussion board) at least three times per week for announcements,information and for discussion of specific topics listed. If you have a personal question or comment you may email me direct or post it on the question discussion board thread.

All homework assignments must be completed by 10 P.M. on the date listed in the assignment section. You must be able to produce a document in Microsoft Word and submit it as directed in this course. You may submit your homework anytime prior to the deadline. Each Homework assignment will be worth (10) points. At the end of the term the final combined homework score will be factored as a major exam score. See homework submission instructions. No extra credit is allowed to substitute missed assignments or discussion board grades.If homework assignments are submitted late they will not be graded and a zero score will be posted.

In the event a student needs to drop the course it is their responsibility to do so. Failure to drop this course, if one chooses to stop participating, will result in an "F" on their transcript. Each student must complete the exam requirements during the dates listed. If the test date is not met, as required, the student will receive a zero for that exam.

Preparation: It is expected and required that each student will read each chapter, study the chapter notes provided, submit homework assignments, properly and on time, and take the examinations within the time period listed. It has been our experience that many students wait until the last day, of the stated dates, to take the exam. This is not advisable because many things can happen to thwart your best intentions. We allow one full week to take the exam so it is believed that is sufficient time to get it done. Be sure to know, understand and abide by the testing center rules and times they are open.

It is required that each student will participate in the discussion board topics. Read all questions from all students and all responses given back by each classmate and your instructor. I will not respond to every entry but will select a few from time to time for clarification and comment. The number and quality of your activities on the discussion board will be the basis for your grade. The designated discussion board threads will be worth 20 points unless otherwise declared. A minimum of three entries is erquired but will be a baseline for points.  The more you are participating the better score you will receive.

Be ready for new material as presented. The discussion board allows each student to express and defend their ideals which will create a positive atmosphere for learning and will enhance our collective experience. You will be graded by the manner (quality) and quantity of discussion board participation. If you fail to respond to discussion board topics at least three times, at different times and dates at minimum, your grade will be reduced or if you exceed this minimum expecatation your score will increase.  Postings must be meaningful (not just "I agree" I disagree" or some short response without supporting data or information, you will lose points from the 20 maximum. I will be looking for mature and thoughtful discussions on a professional level. See discussion board grading criteria tab. The single most point deductions are with discussion boards due to non-participation.

Grading method: This course will have three examinations worth 100 points each for a total of 300.  Participation in the (discussion board) will be worth 20 points for each topic for a total of 100 points.  The homework assignments are worth 10points each for a total of 120 points. The maximum points for the course is 520 points. At the end of the term you can divide your total points by 520 to come up with your alpha grade listed below.

If you desire to review your examination you must make an appointment with me and physically visit my office to do so.
90-100=A, 80-89=B, 70-79=C, 60-69=D, Below 60=F

Chapter assignments must be read and the homework problems completed and submitted by the dates listed under the assignment tab.

CHECK FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS each week. Work the problems listed. I require full sentence answers and more than one paragraph per response. Use lists only when the question asks for a list but always elaborate. I require college level work on these problems. I seek answers that are loaded with information. This is your only opportunity to convince me that you understand the question and the subject behind the question. This is the only means I have to judge your progress other then with the exams and the discussion board. I do not want you to copy answers from the text. Make the point using proper English and grammar. Use outside resources or material, experience and examples to augment and support your answers. Merely copying a response from the text will negatively affect your assignment score acutely. See the homework grading criteria tab for more information.

Course Rationale

This course will cover information that will assist criminal justice students in continuation of higher education goals and their employment in the criminal justice system.

Textbook:

Criminal Investigation on the Street

ISBN: 9781315411712

By: G.W. Hildebrand

Routledge

1 The Evolution of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science 

2 Legal Aspects of Investigation 

3 Investigators, the Investigative Process, and the Crime Scene 

4 Physical Evidence 

5 Interviewing and Interrogation 

6 Field Notes and Reporting 

7 The Follow-Up Investigation and Investigative Resources 

8 The Crime Laboratory 

9 Injury and Death Investigations 

10 Sex-Related Offenses 

21 Terrorism 

22 The Trial Process and the Investigator as a Witness

Course covers investigative theory; collection and preservation of evidence; sources of information; interview and interrogation; uses of forensic sciences; case and trial preparation.

Chapter 1    Introduction, Orientation and Syllabus
Chapter 2    Legal Aspects
Chapter 3    Crime Scene 
Chapter 4    Physical evidence
Chapter 5     Interview & Interrogation
Chapter 6     Field Notes
Chapter 7     Follow-up and Investigative Resources
Chapter 8     Crime Lab and crime reconstruction
Chapter 9    Death 
Chapter 10  Sex offenses     
Chapter 21  Terrorism

Chapter 22   The Trial Process and the Investigator as a Witness

TCLEOSE STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Field Notetaking

Unit Goal:  15.1  The student will understand the principles, uses, and the application of taking proper field notes.

• Define and identify use of field notes.
• Select and organize types of information that should be entered into officer’s field notebook.
• Compile questions that should be answered in field notes in order to complete report.
• Identify and describe the two systems of field notetaking and the mechanics of keeping field notes.
• List the advantage of proper field notes.
• List the rules for complete notetaking.

Criminal Investigation – Introduction

Unit Goal:  33.1.The student will have a working knowledge of the goals and objectives of criminal investigation.                         

1. Define Criminal Investigation
2. Identify the tools of the criminal investigator.
3. List the goals of criminal investigation.
4. Identify the duties of the officer in conducting the preliminary investigation.
5. Identify the elements of the continuing or follow-up investigation.
6. Define corpus delicti and discuss its significance in the criminal investigative process.
7. Define evidence and discuss its legal significance.
8. Define reasonable doubt and discuss its significance in criminal cases.
9. List five qualifications of an investigator.

Unit Goal:  33.3  The student will obtain a working knowledge of basic preliminary investigatory procedures associated with various crimes.

1. Identify and discuss general preliminary investigatory procedures to be followed when dealing with crimes against property.
2. Identify and discuss general preliminary investigatory procedures to be followed when dealing with crimes against persons.

Unit Goal:  33.4  The student will obtain a working knowledge of forensic procedures and terminology related to homicide investigation.

• Define autopsy and discuss its value in homicide investigations.
• Define the following terms as they relate to homicide investigation and discuss their significance.

Unit Goal:  33.5  The student will obtain a working knowledge of laboratory and other procedures of value in the criminal investigative process.

• Identify typical laboratory and other procedures useful in furthering criminal investigations.

Criminal Investigation – Protection of and Crime Scene Search

Unit Goal:  33.6  To increase the student’s understanding of, respect for , and actual application of the tasks required in conducting a criminal investigation.

• List and describe procedures to be taken upon arrival at the scene.
• Describe procedures for identifying victim in case of serious injury or death.
• Identify the available special units which may be called to the scene.
• Identify information which should be made known to other officers.
• Discuss the legal authority to protect the crime scene and establish the perimeters.
• Describe procedures for securing the crime scene.

Criminal Investigation – Interviewing Techniques

Unit Goal:  33.9  To recognize the components of and the differences between interviewing complainants/witnesses, victims and suspects.

• Explain the legal requirements for conducting interviews.
• Describe and practice the techniques used in conducting an interview.

Criminal Investigation – Case Management

Unit Goal:  33.12  To develop proficiency in the case management process.

• Describe and list reasons for case preparation or management.
• Discuss the value of a properly prepared case folder.
• Identify and prepare the type of documentary information included in a case folder and in a prosecution summary. 

Please read:

SYLLABUS NOTIFICATION OF CAMPUS CARRY

1. Statement for standard classroom courses (non-exclusion zone)

Concealed Handgun Policy

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on

campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.

Refer to the concealed handgun policy online at austincc.edu/campuscarry.

1. Statement for classroom courses with physical activity (non-exclusion zone)

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on

campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.

IMPORTANT: CJLE 2522 Peace Officer Skills classes may involve considerable physical activity. Bending, stretching, lifting, and other rigorous activities associated with CJLE 2522 Peace Officer Skills occur regularly in class. Such activities may expose concealed weapons and place the license holder in violation of state law. Therefore, it is recommended that concealed weapons be stored in a secure place as defined by college policy prior to entering the classroom, studio, or learning space.

Refer to the concealed handgun policy online at austincc.edu/campuscarry.

1. Statement for classroom courses in exclusion zones

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on

campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation. It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.

Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.

IMPORTANT: CJLE 2522 Peace Officer Skills classes may be held in an area designated as an exclusion zone as defined by state law or the college’s concealed handgun policy. Concealed carry is prohibited in exclusion zones. Concealed weapons must be stored in a secure place as defined by college policy prior to entering the classroom, studio, or learning space.

Refer to the concealed handgun policy online at austincc.edu/campuscarry.