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Official Course Syllabi 2020-2021 
    
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Official Course Syllabi 2020-2021 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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LAWE 2330 - Introduction to Criminal Investigations

Credit Hours: 3.00

Prerequisites: None

(formerly LAWE 2913)

LAWE 2330 introduces the duties and role of the criminal investigator in conducting investigations. Topics include basic leads, investigative techniques, rules of evidence, and case preparation for court.

Contact Hours: 3
Billable Contact Hours: 3
OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES
Outcome 1: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate basic knowledge of criminal investigation.

Objectives:

  1. Discuss the history and development of criminal investigation.
  2. Discuss the need for covert investigations.
  3. Define and discuss the importance of crime scene investigation.
  4. Discuss and define basic investigative tools, fingerprints, composite sketches, the crime scene canvass, the polygraph.
  5. Define and discus the modern technology of criminal investigations.

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to discuss the role of a criminal investigator as it relates to interview and interrogation.

Objectives:

  1. Discuss the relevant issues of interviewing and detecting deception.
  2. Discuss the reasons for and fallout of false confessions.
  3. Discuss the role of Miranda warnings and understanding techniques for proper interrogation.
COMMON DEGREE OUTCOMES
(Bulleted outcomes apply to the course)

  • 1. The graduate can integrate the knowledge and technological skills necessary to be a successful learner.
  • 2. The graduate can demonstrate how to think competently.
  1. The graduate can demonstrate how to employ mathematical knowledge.
  • 4. The graduate can demonstrate how to communicate competently.
  • 5. The graduate is sensitive to issues relating to a diverse, global society.
COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE
  1. An Overview of the Investigate Process
    1. History
    2. Characteristics of an Effective Investigator
  2. Basic Leads and Investigative Techniques and Tools
    1. Victimology
    2. Opportunity
    3. Vehicles
    4. Modus Operandi
    5. Composite Sketches
    6. Linking the Suspect to the Crime Scene
  3. Direct and Circumstantial Evidence
  4. Documenting the Crime Scene
    1. Effective Note-taking
    2. Searches
    3. Physical Evidence
    4. Line of Sight Canvass, Locating Witnesses
    5. Child Abuse
  5. Rules of Evidence
    1. Chain of Custody
    2. Relative and Best Evidence
  6. Importance of the News Media in Solving Crime
    1. Public Office of Information Officer
    2. AMW (America’s Most Wanted) and Local News Agencies
  7. Identification and Arrest of Accused Persons
    1. Fingerprints
    2. DNA
    3. Photo Show-Ups and Line-Ups
    4. Probable Cause and Arrest Warrants
    5. Arraignment and Preliminary Examination
  8. Interviewing and Detection of Deception, False Confessions
    1. Miranda
    2. Case Studies
  9. Mid-Term Examination
  10. Violent Crime Investigations
    1. Violent Crimes Investigation
    2. Sex Offenses
    3. Robbery
  11. Violent Crime Investigations
    1. Death Investigations
    2. Child Abuse
  12. Arson and Property Crimes
  13. Drug and Special and Covert Investigations
    1. Undercover Investigations
    2. Internal Affairs
    3. Use of Informants
    4. Surveillance
    5. Eavesdropping Laws
  14. Cyber-Crimes
    1. Fraud and Computer Scams
    2. Child Predators
  15. Preparing the Case for Court
    1. Preparing the Investigative Report
    2. Investigators’ Relationship with the County Prosecutor
  16. Final Examination
Primary Faculty
Hliebay, Eugene
Secondary Faculty

Associate Dean
Lopez, Michael
Dean
Mirijanian, Narine

Official Course Syllabus - Macomb Community College, 14500 E 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48088


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