LAWE 2330 - Introduction to Criminal Investigations

Credit Hours: 3.00

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.

• Communication: The graduate can communicate effectively for the intended purpose and audience.
• Critical Thinking: The graduate can make informed decisions after analyzing information or evidence related to the issue.
• Global Literacy: The graduate can analyze human behavior or experiences through cultural, social, political, or economic perspectives.
• Information Literacy: The graduate can responsibly use information gathered from a variety of formats in order to complete a task.
• Quantitative Reasoning: The graduate can apply quantitative methods or evidence to solve problems or make judgments.
• Scientific Literacy: The graduate can produce or interpret scientific information presented in a variety of formats.

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