10504916Criminal Investigation Theory
Course Information
Description
Students will learn both the theoretical and practical applications of conducting investigations based on forensic science standards. Intended to educate the student as to the legal standards of gathering evidence of a crime, along with training the student in the scientific methods and professional standards of locating, collecting, examining, and packaging forensic evidence.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Explore the role of a criminal investigator
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product
    Criteria
    Identify public and private resources available to aid in investigations
    Problem-solve common barriers to evidence dilemmas

  2. Describe the evolution of forensic science and how it has impacted the criminal justice system
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product, Exam
    Criteria
    Identify both historical and modern evidentiary procedures
    Describe how science and technology have impacted the criminal investigative process, such as techniques engaged in DNA evidence
    Relate the use of the Internet and social media to criminal investigations
    Trace the evolution of investigating drug offenses

  3. Define the legal expectations and limitations of evidence in a criminal proceeding
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product-Critical Thinking Essay, Exam
    Criteria
    Rationalize the use of legal limitations and exceptions to evidence gathering
    Relate Constitutional Standards to evidence gathering
    Explain the process to obtain, conduct, and return search warrants for evidence
    Articulate rules of evidence and legal expectations and limitations of evidence
    Articulate concepts of criminal investigation theories through citation of laws, cases, and procedures

  4. Identify evidence relating to crimes against property, persons, public, and government
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration, Quiz
    Criteria
    Categorize types of evidence such as soil and earth-based
    Explain impression evidence
    Identify types of evidence such as paint transfers, fibers, fingerprints, bodily fluids

  5. Perform investigative techniques aimed at the identification, collection, packaging, recording, and preserving evidence of crimes
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration in Simulated Environment
    Criteria
    Describe methods to secure and log crime scenes
    Use specific tools and techniques in evidence collection, processing, preservation, and transporting in a simulated environment
    Differentiate fingerprint types and classification methods
    Safely engage in evidence collection, processing, preservation, and transport
    You wear personal protective equipment
    Use evidence packaging materials, evidence labeling, and chain of custody forms

  6. Differentiate forensic analysis techniques based upon the relationship between the evidence and the crime
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Correlate between evidence gathered and specific elements of offense

  7. Demonstrate methods of criminal evidence procedures
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration in Simulated Environment, Written Product-Critical Thinking Essay
    Criteria
    Follow process to investigate property, cyber, and personal crimes
    Follow process to investigate a death
    Follow process to investigate a drug crime
    Investigate an act of terrorism
    Document evidence procedures and chain of custody

  8. Articulate the role of crime laboratories in the criminal justice system
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Mock Testimony

  9. Engage in a service learning project that directly involves and engages you in a criminal investigation or process
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Engage with a criminal investigation stakeholder
    Demonstrate Core Workforce Skills as specified on the Madison College Universal Rubric

This Outline is under development.