Salem Community College Course Title: Fundamental of Criminal Investigation Course Code: CRJ206 Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3 Course Description: This three credit course will address the basic aspects of criminal investigations. The student will be presented with an overview of the crimes and their elements as well as the skills needed to solve those crimes. The course will discuss various investigative techniques and the investigators relationships with individuals and other agencies. This class is appropriate for law enforcement personnel or anyone interested in the field of criminal investigations. Prerequisite: Test placement in ENG101 or successful completion of ENG98 if required. Co-requisite: None. Place in College Curriculum: CJ206 is a required program course for students pursuing the A.A. Degree in Criminal Justice. In addition CJ206 can be utilized as a three credit open elective by students matriculated in other programs of study at SCC. Date of Last Revision: Feb 2009
Course Content Outline: A. Basic Concepts of Criminal Investigation 1. An overview 2. Crime scene/forensic science 3. Report writing/court room testimony 4. Search/seizure i. Search warrants ii. Probable cause 5. Obtaining Information i. Interview procedures ii. Use of informants 6. Arrest B. Investigation of violent crime 1. Death investigations 2. Assaults 3. Other violent crimes C. Investigation of property crime 1. Burglary 2. Theft, fraud, white collar crime, identify theft 3. Motor vehicle 4. Arson, bomb explosive 5. Computer/internet/technology 6. Drugs D. Challenges to criminal investigator 1. Technology/Internet 2. Drugs 3. Gangs 4. Terrorism
Course Performance Objectives: Course Performance Objective #1: Explain the basic concepts of criminal investigation 1. Name the responsibilities of criminal investigator. 2. Recognize the investigate role of photography 3. Illustrate the process of note taking and report writing. 4. Explain the process of collecting evidence and the use of forensic science. 5. Differentiate between primary investigation and follow-up investigation. 6. Course Performance Objective#2 Describe the role of the criminal investigator. 1. List characteristics and qualifications of an effective criminal investigator. 2. Explain the interrelationships a criminal investigator must develop to be effective. Course Performance Objective #3 Describe the methods used by criminal investigators to obtain information 1. List the types of information that are available to investigators. 2. Explain the various methods used in interviewing. 3. Discuss the scientific aids available to evaluate information. Course Performance Objective #4 Describe the specialized procedures to various types of crimes. 1. Demonstrate an investigators procedures for crimes against persons. 2. Demonstrate an investigators procedures for crimes against property. 3. Demonstrate an investigators procedures for specialized crimes.
Course Performance Objective #5 Identify the investigators arrest and search responsibilities 1. Summarize the steps in obtaining an arrest warrant. 2. Summarize the steps in obtaining a search warrant 3. Discuss the planning and execution of an arrest and search warrant. 4. Discuss the officer safety factor. Course Performance Objective #6 Explain the steps involved in processing a crime scene. 1. Identify the equipment used at a crime scene. 2. Discuss recognition, collection, and examination of evidence 3. Explain courtroom presentation of evidence.
General Education Requirements: CRJ206 covers the following general education goals: 1. Communication; 2. Critical thinking and problem solving; 3. Ethical dimension; 4. Science and technology; 4. Society and human behavior; 5. Historical perspective; 6. Information literacy. Outcomes Assessment: A college-wide outcome assessment program has been put into place to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the curriculum and programs at SCC. As part of this assessment program, the learning outcomes for this course will be assessed. Assessment methods may include tests, quizzes, papers, reports, projects and other instruments. Copies of all outcomes assessments are available in an electronic assessment bank maintained by the Institutional Research and Planning Office. Course Activities: Lecture and class participation as well as in class assignments stressing cooperative learning, are major means of instruction. Course Requirements and Means of Evaluation: Please refer to the instructor s syllabus addendum (to be distributed in class) for specific information regarding the course requirements and means of evaluation. Attendance Policy: Regular and prompt attendance in all classes is expected of students. Students absent from class for any reason are responsible for making up any missed work. Faculty members establish an attendance policy for each course and it is the student s responsibility to honor and comply with that policy. Academic Honesty: Students found to have committed an act of academic dishonesty may be subject to failure of this course, academic probation, and / or suspension from the college. See the Student Handbook for additional details. ADA Statement: If you have a 504 Accommodation Plan, please discuss it with your instructor. If you have any disability but have not documented it with the Disability Support coordinator at Salem Community college, you must do so to be eligible for accommodations. To contact the Disability Support Coordinator, call 856-351-2773, or email disabilitysupport@salemcc.edu to set up an appointment. To find out more information about disability support services at Salem Community College, visit www.salemcc.edu/students/student-success-programs/disabilitysupport. Required Text: For textbook information, please see the Salem Community College Bookstore Website. Optional Text: None Additional Costs: None Materials: None