Course Syllabus

Criminal Investigations Syllabus

School Year 2020-21

towens1@saisd.net

 

Instructor:                              Todd Owens

                                                Bachelors in Criminal Justice

                                               

Class Meetings:                     ROOM 2611   

Conference Period:              5^th period  

 

                                     CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

Congratulations!  You are enrolled in the Criminal Justice Program at Jefferson High School.  Upon completion of this program you will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to support your decision to pursue post-secondary education and/or a career in the criminal justice field.

 

Course Description: General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grades 10-12. Recommended prerequisite: Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security.

Criminal Investigations is a course that introduces students to the profession of criminal investigations. Students will understand basic functions of criminal investigations and procedures and will learn how to investigate or follow up during investigations. Students will learn terminology and investigative procedures related to criminal investigation, crime scene processing, evidence collection, fingerprinting, and courtroom presentation. Through case studies and simulated crime scenes, students will collect and analyze evidence such as fingerprint analysis, bodily fluids, hairs, fibers, shoe and tire impressions, bite marks, drugs, tool marks, firearms and ammunition, blood spatter, digital evidence, and other types of evidence.

 

Course outcomes: Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

(1) The student explores criminal investigative procedures, investigations, and follow-up according to the profession and its job functions.

 

(2) The student uses proper equipment in documenting the crime scene during field investigations.

 

(3) The student explores writing effective reports for criminal investigations.

 

(4) The student recognizes legal searches and the Fourth Amendment as it applies to searches.

 

(5) The student determines which search patterns should be used in an interior/exterior searches of crime scene.

 

(6) The student recognizes the procedures of evidence collection while maintaining the integrity of a crime scene.

 

(7) The student recognizes the methods to process and analyze trace evidence commonly found in a crime scene.

 

(8) The student analyzes collected fingerprints or impressions from a simulated crime scene.

 

(9) The student analyzes blood spatter at a simulated crime scene.

 

(10) The student explores toxicology laboratory procedures in crime labs.

 

 (11) The student explores serology laboratory procedures in criminal investigations.

 

 (12) The student identifies drugs found at a simulated crime scene.

 

(13) The student evaluates bullet and tool mark impressions in a criminal investigation.

 

 (14) The student calculates the time and cause of death in relationship to decomposition of the human body.

 

 (15) The student understands how physical evidence can provide a basis for questioning people about a crime and how questioning can provide leads for finding physical evidence.

 

(16) The student develops a suspect profile when there is not a suspect at the crime scene and a suspect is not apprehended nearby.

 

(17) The student uses critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to create sketches for indoor and outdoor crime scenes.

 

Portfolio/Research Paper)

60%     Assignments (Class work/Homework/Group work)

40%     Assessments

 

Participation, Preparation, and Open and Respectful Dialogue

 

Prepare for class through assigned readings, videos and contemplation of topics. During class, participate in discussions and activities in an open and respectful manner. The quality of the class depends on the contributions that each student brings to class. Each student's unique life experiences enrich the class experiences. Active listening, open exploration, and multicultural competence are skills that can be practiced in all courses. It is not enough just to be physically present.

 

Course Expectations: 

 

• You are expected to attend every class, be punctual, and contribute to the learning/teaching environment through active participation.
• Each student is expected to participate in class discussions, ask questions and share experiences with peers. This course is discussion oriented; therefore, requires each student be prepared for each class.
• I expect ALL STUDENTS to treat all communications professionally and respectfully. Treat others with courtesy and politeness. We can, and will, differ on many topics. It is important that all members of the class feel that they can come to class and express their ideas in a free and accepting environment. Any actions that might tend to limit that freedom of expression is discouraged. Therefore, Please be considerate of your fellow classmates. It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.
• I expect you to respond to all assignments in a timely fashion as well, do your own work and to stand by the work you do.
• I expect ALL students to succeed.

 

Classroom etiquette:

 

• Unless otherwise told, the use of cell phones, and or other electronics during class is NOT permitted. I DO NOT authorize for class discussions to be audio/video recorded.
• Arrive to class on time.
• Respect others’ right to learn and respect our classroom environment.
• Use of foul language will not be tolerated

 

 

Consequences

 

I believe that we control and select our behavior or action.  As such, if you choose to violate the rules, the consequences are outlined below. 

 

• Verbal warning
• Private conference with me
• Call home
• Office Referral

 

Academic Honesty Statement

The highest standards of academic honesty are expected in the course.  Forms of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to: cheating, plagiarism, counterfeit work, falsification of academic record, unauthorized use and reuse of another student’s work. 

 

Seat Assignment

A method of seat assignments will ensure that all learning style needs are recognized.  Seat assignments also ensure effective teamwork for group projects.   

 

Written Assignments 

Written communication is essential in any Criminal Justice careers; therefore, research papers and reports will be assigned.

 

Materials Needed

One composition notebook for class notes and journaling which will be provided

Pens – Black or blue only.

Pencils- will also be accepted.

Box of tissue

Academic Support 

 

This Criminal Justice Program emphasizes the importance of teamwork and family.  Parents, guardians, and mentors should be active in the student’s learning and academic journey.  Your support is essential for the student’s success! 

 

SAISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities.

 

Course Disclaimer:  The Criminal Justice topics discussed in class include violence.  Some of the information and materials in this course may be harsh and offensive to some people. 

 

If you need help during the semester, please let me know BEFORE the end of the semester by making an appointment to speak to me.  I am committed to being accessible to you throughout the year.