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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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