Discipline: Administration of Justice Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Administration of Justice 14


COURSE DESCRIPTION
14 Adv Criminal Investigation Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
Advanced training and skill development in the conduct of crime scene investigation and in the recording, collection, and preservation of physical evidence. Focus in on the understanding and working knowledge of fingerprints, ballistics firearms identification, varieties of trace evidence and a basic introduction to forensic sciences. 36 hours lecture and 54 hours laboratory (simulated crime scene investigation.)
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Advanced techniques of investigating crime scenes, recording and, collection of evidence, understanding of the more complex forensic sciences.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
Before entering the course, students will be able to:
  1. Have an understanding of basic crime scene investigation methods.

  2. Demonstrate basic skills of documenting, recording and preserving evidence found at crime scenes.

  3. Demonstrate basic report writing skills necessary for documentation of evidence and, information obtained from interviews.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1.   Demonstrate skills of collection and, preservation of both
      conclusive and, circumstantial evidence.

2.   Identify the methods of conducting a crime scene investigation
      that shall include protecting, recording, sketching, photography
      and video recording of crime scenes.

3.    Identify the various categories of crime scene related evidence to
      include: a. Ballistics b. Fingerprints c. DNA d. Physical Matches e.
      Trace evidence f. Serology g. Entomology h. Secreted body fluids i.
      Forensic anthropology j. Archeological excavation of a crime scene.

4.   Demonstrate the procedures for protecting the chain of custody of
      various types of physical evidence.

5.   Demonstrate skills of working together as an investigative team.
     
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 

 

1.   Advanced collection and preservation of criminal evidence
      a.   Handing, preserving, proper collection, tagging and storing of
            criminal evidence.
      b.   Recognizing types of evidence.
       c.   Evidence chain of custody and evidence lockers.
2.   Crime Scene Investigation Techniques
      a.   Advanced methods and techniques of Grid and Spiral crime
            scene searches.
      b.   Protecting and securing the integrity of the crime scene.
      c.   Recording the scene with photography and video equipment.
      d.   Sketching the crime scene layout and details.
      e.   Proper presentation for a court of law.
      f.    Crime scene clan up
3.   Science of the motion of projectiles
      a.   Ballistics
      b.   Advanced firearm identification for scientific evidence matching
      c.   Gunshot patterns, spirals, grooves and striations for evidence
            matching
      d.   Integrated ballistics identification system
      e.   Projectile impressions
4.   Investigation of death
      a.   Advanced science of death investigation, science of
            entomology, advanced understanding of the autopsy methods
            and procedures
5.   Science of fingerprints
      a.   Advanced study of palm and fingers prints integrating study
            of whorls, loops and arches
      b.   Points of comparison
      c.   Various Methods and, procedures of lifting and extracting
            fingerprints with powders as well as through Cyanocacrylate &
            Ninhydrin fuming
      d.   Study of California I.D. Automated Fingerprint Identification
            System
6.   Advanced study of physical evidence matches
      a.   Tracks and impressions
      b.   Tire treads and tracks
      c.   Shoe prints
      d.   Tooth impressions
      e.   Tool mark impressions
7.   Advanced Study of Trace Evidence
      a.   Human and animal hairs
      b.   Various fibers
      c.    Paint
      d.   Soil
      e.   Glass
      f.   Evidence other than normally found, such as fly larvae and
           eggs to determine estimated time of death using the science
           of Entomology
8.   Advanced study of blood evidence and, blood grouping
      a.   ABO blood typing system
      b.   MM blood classification system
      c.   RH Positive and Negative blood typing
      d.   Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) blood marker
      e.   DNA Database System
      f.   Blood Spatter Analysi
      g.   Blood Tracking
9.   Advanced Study of Body Fluids
      a.   Sexual assault evidence of semen and vaginal fluids
      b.   Perspiration and saliva
10.  Advanced Study of Forensic Anthropology
      a.   Archeological excavation of human remains
      b.   Preservation of human bone evidence
11.   Laboratory Study
      a.   Creation of a complex staged crime scenes by student groups
            for fellow classmates with numerous types of evidence and
            circumstances.
      b.   Student group investigation of staged crime scenes
            demonstrating mastery of the types of methods and
            procedures of crime scene investigation, interviewing and
            interrogation skills and, proper recording and documentation
            of reports and physical evidence. Students will analyze,
            discuss and provide a conclusion to the staged crime scene.
      c.   Forensic Archeological Excavation of buried prop skeletons
            by students to demonstrate knowledge and skills of crime
            scenes in which a significant amount of time has passed since
            the crime was committed. Students shall demonstrate proper
            skills of unearthing and preserving crime scene evidence.
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Presentation of lectures and discussions of the study of the
    advanced Forensic Sciences.
  • Video presentations of advanced methods crime scene
    investigation, collection of types of physical evidence, ballistics,
    entomology, DNA and blood serology, investigation of death.
  • Guest lecturers invited to class to discuss, blood spatter analysis, forensic archeology, crime scene clean up, crime scene preparation, collection and preservation of fingerprint evidence.
  • Presentation discussion and detailed examination of actual case studies of criminal cases including recent cases in the media.
  • Distributing handouts demonstrating advanced methods of study of fingerprint analysis, physical evidence, trace evidence and, blood evidence.
  • Cooperative/Collaborative learning tasks and activities designed to assist students in working together as a group processing a crime scene, recording evidence, photographing, sketching, interviewing and interrogating. Students working within an investigative group will also demonstrate communications skills with one another, giving the student confidence to express, discuss and evaluate the  various factors involving the staged crime scene leading to a conclusion for solving the staged crime scene.
  • Power point presentations.
  • Individual and group conferences in order to evaluate and advise students on correct processing methods.
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Written book reports to assess the students’ ability to read, comprehend, define and interpret crime scene details and collection methods
  • Documenting, analyzing and synopsis of crime scenes.
  • Quizzes and Mid-term examination designed to assess the student’s ability to recall critical material and methods used necessary for crime scene processing
  • Written assignments designed to assess the students’ written communication skills necessary for proper documentation.
  • Participation and application of students’ oral communication skills in group exercises designed to increase student confidence and enhance cognitive thinking skills
  • Lab attendance, evaluating student participation in mastering group investigative techniques, communication skills, evidence collection and preservation skills, photographic or written documentation skills in assigned lab projects
  • Final examination designed to assess students’ mastery of course material, crime scene processing methods and essential concepts studied within the course
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Fisher, Barry. Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation. 6th ed. CRC Press , 2004.
  • Sweetman, Author. Investigating a Homicide. 1st ed. Thompson & Wadsworth , 2002.
  • Dr. Baden, Michael. Dead Reckoning. 1st ed. Simon & Schuster , 2002.
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