CCCOnline LogoCourse Snapshot for CRJ127 - Crime Scene Investigation

The information listed below is subject to change. Please review the course syllabus within your online course at the start of class.

Course Competencies

The competencies you will demonstrate in this course are as follows:

  1. Describe information to be obtained when responding to a crime scene.
  2. Describe and demonstrate, as the initial peace officer arriving on a crime scene, the ability to determine if a crime has been committed, what immediate action to be taken and notifications to be made; procedures necessary to establish a crime scene perimeter and protect the scene; and procedures necessary to locate and isolate witnesses.
  3. Identify basic principle crime scene search techniques including but not limited to: grid, spiral or other systematic techniques designed to discover relevant evidence both in and outdoor settings.
  4. Explain and/or demonstrate basic crime scene photography techniques, to include the three views of the crime scene and camera positions.
  5. Explain and/or demonstrate basic crime scene note taking techniques, to include recorded narrative; detailed sequence of events; and evidence handling documents.
  6. Explain and/or demonstrate the ability to do an indoor and outdoor crime scene sketch utilizing the methods of measurement such as triangulation, base line, or rectangular coordinates; the information contained in a legend; and the value of crime scene sketches relative to photographs.
  7. Describe the value of more commonly encountered evidentiary items found at a crime scene.
  8. Describe and/or demonstrate effective methods and techniques for collecting evidence.
  9. Define the differences between an interview and an interrogation.
  10. Demonstrate an understanding of the practical problems encountered during interviews/interrogation situations
  11. Demonstrate an understanding of what conditions or actions impact the `voluntariness` of statements made by suspects.
  12. Know the importance of statements from both hostile and friendly witnesses.
  13. Able to identify sources of information which would aid in identifying and locating suspects or witnesses.
  14. Show an understanding of the procedures for conducting a basic investigation of a major case.
  15. Demonstrate an understanding of the need for sensitivity to the feelings of victims, survivors, and witnesses at a major crime scene.
  16. Demonstrate investigative techniques at a mock crime scene.



Module Outcomes Mapped to Competencies

Module 1
  Outcomes Competencies
1  Apply the duties of a first responder from arrival through search. A, B, C, G 
2  Apply various crime scene investigation techniques to a crime scene. C, G, H 
3  Utilize the proper methods in sketching and photographing a scene.  C, D, F, P
4  Create a police report using the common terminology and format used in the field. B, E 
5  Apply the concept of evidence collection and role of evidence in crime scene.  H 
6  Identify the role of informants to the investigation. M
Module 2
  Outcomes Competencies
1  Determine the reliability of fingerprints as a means of identification and the different methods of collection. G 
2  Differentiate between the different types of evidence at the scene and the most appropriate methods of collection.  B, G, H
3  Assess blood spatter at the scene to construct a logical chain of events. G, H 
4  Explain the importance of bodily fluid evidence and the proper methods of collection. G, H 
5  Create a search warrant using the common terminology and format used in the field.  N, P 
6  Differentiate the different types of suspects and witnesses in an investigation. N, P
Module 3
  Outcomes Competencies
1  Examine the role of drugs and toxins in relation to investigations. B, G, H
2  Compare and contrast the differences in collecting evidence from an electronic scene from a "real" scene.

 B, G, H 
3  Differentiate between interview and interrogation and the strengths and limitations of each. I, J, K, M 
4   Apply the role of electronic scenes in investigating crimes.  N 
Module 4
  Outcomes Competencies
1  Differentiate between manner and cause of death and apply to investigations. A, B, G, J, N, O
2  Explain the role of medical examiner at the crime scene and the importance of proper   documentation. H 
3  Evaluate arson and explosions in relation to investigations. N, O, A, B 
4  Differentiate between theft, robbery, and burglary. A, B, N
5  Explore differences in assaults and how to be sensitive to the needs of victims. L, N, O 
Module 5
  Outcomes Competencies
1  Identify the different roles agencies play during investigations in terrorism cases. A, B, G, H, N 
2  Explain the role of investigators in preparing a case for the court. N, P 
3  Discuss crime scene investigative techniques in relation to underwater investigations. F, G, H 
4  Examine how different types of science can be helpful in identification of body or suspect. B, H 

Course Time Commitment and Expectations

The semester schedule for this course may be 15 weeks, 10 weeks, or 6 weeks in duration. Based on the course format, this table shows the approximate amount of time you should plan to spend per week on this course. This includes time to read/listen to the online content, participate in discussion forums, complete all assignments, and study the course material.

For accelerated courses, the amount of time required per week is greater. Note that regardless of course format, the course material is the same and all course competencies, module outcomes, and assignments will be covered.

Course Activity Hours and Student Learning Hours
Course Credit Hours Course Format (Duration) Pace Relative to a 15 Week Course Course Activity Hours Student Learning Hours Per Week
3 15 Weeks - 135 8.5 to 9.5
3 10 Weeks 1.5x faster 135 12.5 to 14.5
3 6 Weeks 2.5x faster 135 21 to 24

Aside from typical reading assignments, this course has the following (Please Note: This list is subject to change based on the discretion of the instructor facilitating this course.):

Summary of Grading
Assignment Points %
Discussions (5 @50 points each) 250 25%
Quizzes (5 @50 points each) 250 25%
Assignments (10 @25 points each) 250 25%
Projects (5 @50 points each)      250    25%
TOTAL 1000 100%

 

 

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