30-504-508Principles of Investigations
Course Information
Description
Through classroom lecture, and on-campus lab, and WI Department of Justice 720 Academy integration exercises students will learn and apply skills addressed in the following Phase II topics of the WI Department of Justice 720 Academy curriculum framework: Constitutional Law II, Physical Evidence Collection, and Crisis Management. The Phase II Written Exam will be given in this course.
Total Credits
1
Course Competencies
  1. II.X.1. Describe the role evidence plays in criminal investigations and prosecutions.
    Assessment Strategies
    Critique
    Criteria
    critique includes a clear explanation of procedures to protect all evidence
    critique includes a summary of the custody chain in both cases
    critique identifies any mistakes made with the custody chain in the case studies

  2. II.X.2. Apply the steps for processing crime scenes.
    Assessment Strategies
    process a mock crime scene
    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

  3. II.X.3. Apply appropriate strategies to locate, handle, and package evidentiary items.*
    Assessment Strategies
    handling evidence from 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 always
    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
    use 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

  4. II.X.4. Document the crime scene. *
    Assessment Strategies
    conduct an interview, asking questions about user names, passwords, etc.
    document and sketch a mock crime scene through Physical Evidence Collection PAT 2 (Mandatory for Recruits)
    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

  5. II.X.5. Recognize the unique investigative issues for crimes against life.
    Assessment Strategies
    developing an outline of investigative issues for crimes against life
    Criteria
    outline identifies who, or whom, to contact in the event of a crime against life or a death investigation
    outline includes the main details about what happened
    outline includes only relevant and necessary details of the investigation

  6. II.X.6. Apply appropriate strategies to secure the scene, collect and preserve evidence, and investigate a death.
    Assessment Strategies
    investigate a simulated death scenario
    write a report that analyzes the steps and processes in an actual death investigation
    Criteria
    death investigation report includes a description of the situation and scene of the death
    death investigation report includes a sketch of the scene
    death investigation report identifies the next steps

  7. II.Q.1. Explain the 4th Amendment requirements with regards to searches by law enforcement.
    Assessment Strategies
    discuss areas where the general public has a reasonable expectation to privacy and what the requirements are for searching those areas
    Criteria
    identify the main search related themes that are addressed by the 4th Amendment

  8. II.E.5. Articulate the decision-making process taken to manage persons in crisis.
    Assessment Strategies
    students will verbally explain and write a report of the actions taken in a simulated crisis intervention contact
    Criteria
    present complete, relevant evidence needed to support your actions
    present accurate information
    present the information in an organized manner
    explanation presents sound reasoning as they describe the decisions made throughout the process
    report presents an accurate account of the background information
    report presents an accurate account of the situation
    report documents actions that have been taken to address the situation
    report is written in a factual manner
    report presents information in an organized (chronological) fashion
    report evidences correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling

  9. II.Q.2. Identify the requirements that pertain to search warrants.
    Assessment Strategies
    Probable Cause Affadavit
    Criteria
    Probable Cause Affidavit establishes probable cause to believe the named person committed the crime
    Probable Cause Affidavit details how the officer established probable cause
    Probable Cause Affidavit describes specifically the person to be arrested or the location to be searched
    Probable Cause Affidavit addresses each element of the crime

  10. II.Q.3. Analyze the aspects of consent searches
    Assessment Strategies
    discuss the guidelines for consent searches
    Criteria
    describe who can give consent to search
    explain that consent must be given voluntarily
    explain the scope of a consent search
    explain when a consent search must be terminated

  11. II.Q.4. Analyze exceptions to the search warrant requirement.
    Assessment Strategies
    discuss the guidelines for searches without warrants
    Criteria
    discuss at least six exceptions to the warrant requirement
    describe the most common search-related activities not covered by the 4th Amendment
    clarify exactly what the 4th Amendment is not applicable for “open fields,” “curtilage,” “open view,” and “plain view”

  12. II.Q.5. Identify the special requirements for searching disabled persons and strip searches.
    Assessment Strategies
    compare the requirements for conducting routine searches with those for searching a disabled person and for those conducting strip searches
    Criteria
    compare the differences and similarities between routine searches and those of a disabled person
    explain the limitations of searches of a disabled person
    compare the differences between a strip search and search incident to arrest
    recognize the legal requirements for a strip search

  13. II.E.1. Explain the concept of a crisis and the phases of an emotional response to a crisis.
    Assessment Strategies
    Essay
    Criteria
    essay describes the range of behaviors that emotionally disturbed persons are likely to display in crisis situations
    essay includes what law enforcement officers will need to address

  14. II.E.2. Explain crisis intervention and the magnitude of crisis situations encountered by law enforcement officers.
    Assessment Strategies
    complete emergency detention and emergency protective placement forms
    Criteria
    form presents an accurate account of the background information
    form includes an accurate account of the situation
    form is written in a factual manner
    form presents information in an organized (chronological) fashion

  15. II.E.3. Identify key concepts and elements associated with law enforcement response to people in crisis and identify community resources available to help the law enforcement response.
    Assessment Strategies
    Flowchart
    Criteria
    flowchart classifies law enforcement responses to crisis intervention situations
    flowchart lists community resources that help the officer respond to the situation, including mental health agencies, agencies specializing in AODA treatment, and agencies specializing in Alzheimer’s patients

  16. II.E.4. Apply crisis intervention principles and techniques.
    Assessment Strategies
    respond to a crisis intervention contact
    Criteria
    follow the RESPOND model when approaching the scene
    dialogue with the subject in accordance with professional procedures
    continually assess the situation for unsafe conditions and maintain appropriate distances
    choose an appropriate resolution to the contact and act according to the chosen resolution

  17. II.E.6. Describe the role of an advocacy group in the criminal justice community.
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral presentation
    Criteria
    oral report includes a brief introduction to the community organization
    oral report summarizes the services provided by the organization
    oral report describes when it would be appropriate to contact the organization
    oral report describes how law enforcement and the community organization might interact