I. General Information

1. Course Title:
Criminal Investigations

2. Course Prefix & Number:
CRJU 2108

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits: 3

Lecture Hours: 3

4. Course Description:

This course will cover the methodology of criminal investigations including every facet of the investigation, from the preliminary investigation to the court proceedings. It will also cover evidence recognition, collection, and preservation of evidence. There will be a segment devoted to peace officer reports and required Minnesota forms.

5. Placement Tests Required:

Accuplacer (specify test):

No placement tests required

Score:

6. Prerequisite Courses:

There are no prerequisites for this course.

9. Co-requisite Courses:

There are no corequisites for this course.

II. Transfer and Articulation

1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:

Hibbing College- 2595 Criminal Investigations, 3 credits

III. Course Purpose

1. Program-Applicable Courses – This course fulfills a requirement for the following program(s):

Conservation Officer Preparation AAS
Criminal Justice Certificate
MN Peace Officer AAS
Peace Officer/Public Safety Transfer Pathway AS

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies	Students will be able to:
Demonstrate reading and listening skills	Interview and interrogation skills.
Analyze and follow a sequence of operations	Students will be able to process a crime scene in chronological order.

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

• Explain the legal and procedural aspects of the investigative process;
• Explain roles and responsibilities associated with law enforcement investigations;
• Compare legal, procedural, and ethical considerations in interrogations and interviews;
• Demonstrate organization and clarity in all associated investigation documents;
• Define key elements for effective interaction with the judicial system; and
• Apply criminal procedure to criminal investigations.

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

1. Lecture Sessions

 

1.     Basic Investigative Responsibilities

• Documenting the Crime Scene
• Writing Effective Reports
• Searches
• Forensics/Physical Evidence
• Obtaining Information and Intelligence

2.    Investigating Violent Crimes

• Death Investigations
• Assault, Domestic Violence, Stalking and Elder Abuse
• Sex Offenses
• Crimes Against Children
• Robbery

3.   Other Challenges to the Criminal Investigator

• Computer Crimes
• A Dual Threat
• Criminal Activities of Gangs and Other Dangerous Groups
• Terrorism and Homeland Security
• Preparing for and Presenting Cases in Court

4.   Investigating Crimes Against Property

• Burglary
• Larceny/Theft, Fraud and White Collar Crime
• Motor Vehicle Theft
• Arson, Bombs and Explosives