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Criminal Investigation
CJC 2500

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Note: Sample syllabus from last time course offered. I usually teach this course online.

Objectives:

The course covers the history, purpose, techniques, and evidentiary uses of criminal investigation. At the conclusion of this course the participants will:

1) Know the basic elements of a criminal investigation;

2) Know the basic elements of managing a criminal investigation,

3) Know of the techniques needed properly process a crime scene

Textbook Requirements:

Criminal Investigation, Charles Swanson, Neil Chamelin, Leonard Territo, McGraw-Hill, 2000. (Note: May not be current)

General: It is expected that students will read the assigned material. Class discussions and lectures will build on the readings. It is expected that work submitted for the course will be the work of the participants and that the work is intended for the specific course.

Grade Scale:

90+ = A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
60 - 69 =D
59 (and below) = F

Student Evaluation:

Revised as needed for the course. The on-line course requirements will vary from requirements presented on these pages.

Class Project: Class members will be given assignments concerning an ongoing investigation and will work in teams to develop strategies to investigate the case and overcome the investigative blocks that are encountered. The teams of will report the strategies chosen and actions taken, progress on the case plan during each class and the instructor will respond to the teams during each class. There will be two or three members to each team.

Topic Presentation: Each class member must select a topic that is related to investigations and prepare a five minute presentation and submit a 2 to 3 page paper. Presentations will start during the second week. The topic must be on some area of criminal investigation.

Mid-Term Project: There will be a mid term project/exam that will examine the ability of the class member to make use of the skills learned in class.

Final Exam: The final exam will include a combination of short answer and objective questions.

Investigative Review Paper: Students will find a report of an investigation in a newspaper, critique the investigation, based on what is known from the news report and provide suggestions for the investigation. This paper is 2 to 3 pages.

Responding Officers Report: Students will write a criminal report based on information provided in class. The report must provided the needed information for an investigator to investigate the case.

Attendance: There are points assigned to attendance and participation because there will be much discussion during class time designed to fulfill the class objectives.

Students should come to class prepared to discuss assigned readings or to be able to relate the reading to the class experience.

Absence - students will have points subtracted for classes missed.

Late Papers/Projects: Papers are all due the last class of the week listed. Papers are late if not handed in at the end of the class. Late papers will be graded and will then have two points taken off. Papers handed in after the end of the class and before final grades are submitted will have 5 additional points taken off.

Other: Students desiring a reasonable accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act must contact me immediately to discuss their needs. Failure to notify the instructor in a timely manner of the need for a reasonable accommodation may hinder the college's ability to assist students in successfully completing the course.

If you need to miss a class due to a religious holiday observance, please notify me in writing during the first two weeks of the semester.

NC (No Credit) indicates that student has withdrawn or is not able to complete the course work. You must notify the instructor in writing if you are withdrawing from a class. The grade of NC may be given until the midterm, upon request. You are responsible for completing the required forms and turning them in to the registrar.

For further information about The Metropolitan State College of Denver policies around attendance and classroom policy please see the Student Handbook, the Catalogue and the Bulletin.

Tasks to be completed by students:

Read the book - Criminal Investigations.

Complete exams.

Complete the class project, topic presentation, investigative review paper and the responding officer report. Attend and participate in the class.

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Last Updated: 6/5/03

Criminal Justice and Criminology Department