30-504-502Application of Investigations
Course Information
Description
Through classroom lecture, on-campus lab, and WI Department of Justice 720 Academy integration exercises students will learn and apply skills addressed in the following Phase III topics of the Department of Justice 720 Academy curriculum framework: Ethics II: Moral Reasoning and Professional Conduct, Cultural Competence II, Interrogations, Testifying in Court, Crimes III and Physical Evidence Collection.
Total Credits
1
Course Competencies
  1. III.Z.1.  Develop sensitivity to ethical issues that are likely to arise in law enforcement
    Assessment Strategies
    ethical case studies
    Criteria
    identify at least one ethical dilemma
    identify at least two parties affected by the dilemma
    list at least one potential action or inaction for each case
    describe a possible consequence of any action or inaction
    make discussion points concise
    listen to the comments of others

  2. III.Z.2.  Reason carefully about ethical conflicts
    Assessment Strategies
    ethical case study
    Criteria
    identify competing values and principles
    state a recommended course of action
    defend the course of action based on the Code of Ethics and/or Oath of Honor

  3. III.Z.3.  Integrate professional norms and values into your personal identity
    Assessment Strategies
    will decide on a course of action for a case study based on professional standards
    Criteria
    state the ethical dilemma
    name the decision-making model used
    defend the decision based on the components of the model used
    relate the decision to accepted professional standards/codes of conduct

  4. III.Z.4.  Exhibit competence in ethical problem solving
    Assessment Strategies
    ethical dilemma role play
    Criteria
    explain which part of the role play was most challenging
    explain ways the character could improve their ethical behavior

  5. III.V.1. Interpret state and federal laws related to discrimination and diversity
    Assessment Strategies
    discuss current law enforcement cases involving law enforcement profiling and how it affected the officer, agency, and community
    research project
    Criteria
    explain what they learned about a culture they do not identify with and explain how their views changed by learning more about that culture
    explain the difference between investigative profiling, providing suspect descriptions, and racial profiling (explaining that racial profiling is not culturally acceptable)

  6. III.V.2. Describe how biased policing affects the agency and the community
    Assessment Strategies
    discussion on how implicit bias affects their agency and the community
    Criteria
    discuss ways to monitor and attempt to control their hidden attitudes before they are expressed through behavior
    explain that they can control these hidden attitudes by being aware of their language, body language, and attention to the stigma felt by target groups

  7. III.A.1. Examine the fundamentals of interrogations
    Assessment Strategies
    discuss the basic steps used in both interviewing and interrogating individuals
    Criteria
    explain that interviews are typically conducted with victims and witnesses
    explain that the goal of an interview is to find out as much relevant information as possible about an event while also putting the victim or witness at ease
    explain that interviews tend to be friendly, loosely structured, and non-confrontational
    explain that interrogations are typically conducted with suspects
    explain that the goal of an interrogation (assuming the suspect is actually guilty) is to establish the suspect’s guilt in a court-presentable way
    explain that interrogations are controlled and directed (the officer asks the questions) and may involve the suspect being at a psychological disadvantage
    explain that interrogations are accusatory in nature and that you must advise the suspect of certain legal rights before proceeding with an interrogation if the suspect is in custody
    describe a good interviewer as inquisitive, observant, energetic, good communicators, problem solvers, and patient

  8. III.A.2. Conduct interrogations*
    Assessment Strategies
    conducting an electronically recorded custodial interrogation with a suspect
    Criteria
    Preparation and Planning:
    gather as much information as possible about the suspect and incident as possible before the interrogation
    identify what elements of the crime must be proven prior to the interrogation
    assess what evidence is available and assess what evidence is still needed and how it can be obtained
    create an effective interrogation environment (room set up, number of interviewers, etc.)
    Engage and Explain:
    introduce self and provide instructions and explain the procedure for the interrogation
    encourage the suspect to provide information freely rather than only responding to specific questions
    take time to explain what is going to happen and explain the expectations of the suspect during the interrogation
    Account Clarification and Challenge:
    ask the suspect to tell, in his/her own words, what happened with minimal interruptions
    after the suspect provides a narrative, follow up with relevant, probing questions
    challenge the suspect’s account when necessary
    Closure:
    review notes and other materials for completeness and accuracy
    ask the suspect if there is anything he/she wants to add
    encourage the suspect to contact you if he/she has more information in the future
    thank the suspect for his/her cooperation and close the interview
    Evaluation:
    examine whether the goals and objectives for the interrogation were achieved
    review the investigation in light of the information obtained during the interrogation
    reflect upon how well you conducted the interrogation and consider what improvements could be made in the future
    Additional Performance Criteria:
    understand that custodial questioning requires Miranda warnings to be given and requires that the suspect voluntarily agree to answer questions
    explain the steps used to record custodial interrogations
    describe techniques you can use when an interviewee fails to cooperate in an interview/interrogation
    describe what ethical interviewing means and how to apply ethical principles during an interview/interrogation
    assess the credibility of an individual’s story or answers to your questions during an interview/interrogation

  9. III.B.1. Prepare for court
    Assessment Strategies
    describe an officer’s role in a preliminary hearing and a criminal trial
    Criteria
    Preliminary Hearing:
    describe that in felony cases, a preliminary hearing is held (unless the defendant waives his or her right to have one) to determine whether a crime was committed and whether there is probable cause to believe that the defendant committed the crime
    describe that a preliminary hearing is held before a judge, not a jury
    identify that the prosecutor presents the complaint (usually based on the arresting officer's arrest report and any other associated reports)
    identify that the defense argues either that a crime was not committed or (more often) that the evidence against his or her client does not rise to the level of probable cause
    identify that if the judge finds in favor of the prosecution, the defendant enters a plea, and a trial date is set
    review the criminal complaint (often attached to the subpoena) if subpoenaed to testify at a preliminary hearing
    Criminal Trial:
    review their report and everything else that is available (for a criminal trial)
    become as familiar with the case as possible
    explain that in some cases, the prosecutor may want to discuss the officer’s testimony with before trial

  10. III.B.2. Describe how to be an effective witness
    Assessment Strategies
    discuss tips for testifying in court
    Criteria
    describe the importance of presenting themselves as a professional in both appearance and demeanor
    explain that they want their appearance to convey to the jury that they are a competent, careful, and thorough investigator
    describe two aspects that affect first impressions: how an officer dresses and how they carry themselves
    describe how an officer’s demeanor - their body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions - contribute more than actual words to the jury's impression of the officer
    discuss how they should look and act in court (look interested and open to questions from both the prosecuting attorney and the defense attorney, look at both the attorney asking the questions and the jury, remain calm and attentive, and stay professional)
    explain that an officer’s behaviors and actions, even on social media such as Facebook, etc., can discredit an officer by calling their ethics, morals, and community trust into question

  11. III.B.3. Testify as a witness in court
    Assessment Strategies
    testimony on direct examination
    cross-examination in a simulated environment
    Criteria
    Answer questions accurately:
    ensure they understand what is being asked and that it is appropriate for them to respond (if they do not understand a question, ask for clarification)
    ensure they answer the question that is asked and then stop (resist the temptation to explain or justify your actions beyond what is requested in the question, particularly on cross-examination)
    make sure the answer is as accurate as they can make it (always tell the truth no matter what)
    Avoid traps:
    explain that verbal traps are designed to make you do one of two things:  become defensive and say something that can be used to undermine your testimony
    explain that the first category includes questions that are aimed to make you feel that you haven't done something that you should have done or, conversely, that you have done something you shouldn't have
    explain that the second category deals with how you prepared for testimony and includes questions that are aimed to elicit statements from you that could be damaging
    explain that you should not try to outsmart the attorney, instead, just do your best to be straightforward, neutral, and professional and to answer questions honestly and forthrightly

  12. III.R.1. Analyze facts, circumstances, and situations and determine which, if any, crimes involving drugs, alcohol or other criminal activity have been committed
    Assessment Strategies
    criminal activity case study
    Criteria
    analyze facts and circumstances of the case study and determines the correct crime
    identify the specific criminal statute and applicable subparagraphs that were violated
    identify special legal circumstances including self defense, attempt, party to a crime and defense of property
    determine whether each element is present or not and make the correct arrest decision
    identify evidence that supports each element
    identify questions that need to be asked of people involved that are necessary to support the elements

  13. III.R.2.  Analyze facts, circumstances, and situations and determine which, if any, forfeiture offenses have been committed
    Assessment Strategies
    forfeiture offense case study
    Criteria
    analyze the facts and circumstances of the case study and determine the correct violation
    identify the specific criminal statute and applicable subparagraphs that were violated
    determine whether each element is present or not
    identify evidence that supports each element
    identify questions that need to be asked of people involved that are necessary to support the elements
    complete the correct citation for the violation

  14. III.R.3. Analyze facts, circumstances, and situations and determine which, if any, crimes against persons have been committed
    Assessment Strategies
    determine the crimes against person(s) and list supporting evidence for each element
    Criteria
    analyze the facts and circumstances of each situation and determine the correct crime
    identify the specific criminal statute and applicable subparagraphs that were violated
    identify special legal circumstances including self defense, attempt, party to a crime and defense of property
    determine whether each element is present or not and make the correct arrest decision
    identify evidence that supports each element
    identify questions that need to be asked persons involved that are necessary to support the elements
    complete a charging sheet

  15. III.R.4. Analyze facts, circumstances, and situations and determine which, if any, crimes against property have been committed
    Assessment Strategies
    determine the crimes against property and provide supporting evidence for each element.
    Criteria
    analyze the facts and circumstances of each situation and determine the correct crime
    identify the specific criminal statute and applicable subparagraphs that were violated
    identify special legal circumstances including self defense, attempt, party to a crime and defense of property
    determine whether each element is present or not and make the correct arrest decision
    identify evidence that supports each element
    identify questions that need to be asked persons involved that are necessary to support the elements
    complete a charging sheet

  16. III.X.1. Review the role evidence plays in criminal investigations and prosecutions
    Assessment Strategies
    Review the basics before processing a mock crime scene
    Criteria
    include a clear explanation of procedures to protect all evidence
    include a summary of the custody chain in both cases
    identify any mistakes made with the custody chain in the case studies

  17. III.X.2. Apply the steps for processing crime scenes
    Assessment Strategies
    process a mock crime scene (mandatory PAT)
    Criteria
    evaluate current legal ramifications of crime scene searches
    discuss the upcoming search with personnel
    select, when feasible, a person-in-charge prior to arriving on scene
    control the scene and keep unauthorized persons out
    approach the scene carefully
    secure and protect the scene
    initiate a preliminary survey
    conduct a final survey
    release the scene only after the final survey

  18. III.X.3. Apply appropriate strategies to locate, handle, and package evidentiary items
    Assessment Strategies
    handling evidence from a mock crime scene (mandatory PAT)
    Criteria
    take control of the scene on arrival
    mark evidence location on a diagram/sketch
    ensure that the evidence or container is initialed by the investigator collecting the evidence
    seal all evidence containers at the crime scene
    do not handle items excessively
    do not guess on packaging requirements – different types of evidence can require different containers
    wear gloves
    allow wet or damp evidence to dry before sealing
    assume that any relatively smooth area that gloves touch will destroy identifiable latent prints
    avoid unnecessary writing or marking on surfaces to be processed for latent prints
    uses a pencil for marking porous items
    avoid taping or sticking labels on the surfaces to be processed for latent prints
    describe crime scene considerations regarding digital evidence
    discuss what digital forensics is, when it is needed, and why
    describe how to collect and handle the electronic device to prevent data from being destroyed or lost
    maintain a chain of custody

  19. III.X.4. Document the crime scene *
    Assessment Strategies
    documenting and sketching a mock crime scene (mandatory PAT)
    Criteria
    interview questions include asking for user names, passwords, encryption, online account information, data storage/backups, networks and wireless devices, and case type specific questions – information must legally be obtained (search and seizure rules)
    prepare a narrative description
    do not permit the narrative to degenerate into a sporadic and unorganized attempt to recover physical evidence
    document first - collect second (under most circumstances)
    begin photography as soon as possible
    ensure a progression of overall, medium and close-up photos is established
    use a photographic log, a scale when needed, and take photos from eye-level
    prepare a diagram or sketch of the scene
    represent the scene in a "general to specific" scheme
    make a rough sketch (normally not to scale) to use as a model for a finished sketch
    the rough sketch includes specific location
    the rough sketch includes date, time, case identifier, and preparer
    the rough sketch includes weather and lighting conditions
    the rough sketch includes a scale or scale disclaimer (as appropriate)
    the rough sketch includes compass orientation
    the rough sketch identifies evidence locations
    the rough sketch includes measurements
    the rough sketch includes a key or legend