Semester Hours Credit: 3
Lecture Hours: 48
Location: Mildenhall
Course Dates/Days/Times: 6 Jan – 26 Feb 2015 /
Tuesdays & Thursdays/1800-2100
Instructor: Christina Jett
Office Hours: By appointment
Instructor Email: cjettctc@gmail.com
Phone: +44 758 4420678
INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
Hello, my name is Christina Jett and I will be your instructor for the semester. I was a Crime
Scene Investigator for five years in Central Florida and was employed by the Marion County
Sheriffs Office and the Citrus County Sheriffs Office. I have had experience investigating a variety of crimes including crimes against persons and property, homicides, and drug crimes. I am currently a Contract Background Investigator. I graduated from Mountain State University in
2006 with a bachelor of science in Crime Scene Investigation, and in 2011 with a master’s degree in Forensic Science Administration from Oklahoma State University. As a member if the
International Association for Identification I am certified as a Crime Scene Analyst.
I. INTRODUCTION
A.
This course will provide the student a study of investigative theory, the collection and preservation of evidence, sources of information, concepts of interviewing and interrogation, the use of forensic sciences, and case and trial preparation.
B.
This course is not chronologically dependent upon other Law Enforcement courses. It is a required course for the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice degree program.
C.
This course is occupationally related and serves in preparation for careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, and corrections.
D.
Prerequisite(s): (None)
CJSA 1342 Page 1 of 10

II. LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this course, Criminal Investigation, the student will be able to:
A. Define the goals and objectives of criminal investigation.
B. Demonstrate ability to conduct proper crime scene investigations.
C. Illustrate the use of forensic science for various statutory offenses.
D. Organize the criminal case including field notes, reports, crime scene activities, and other mandatory documentation.
III. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
A.
Student Textbook: Hess, Criminal Investigation-CTC Edition, 10th Ed: Cengage
Learning 2013, ISBN 9781305002340
The instructional materials identified for this course are viewable through http://www.ctcd.edu/im/im_main.asp
B. References:
1. Ferdico, John N, Henry F. Fradella, Christopher D. Totten, Criminal Procedure ,
11th Ed, Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, 2013.
2. Bohm, Robert M. and Keith N. Haley, Introduction to Criminal Justice,
McGraw-Hill, 2010.
IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
A. Your first responsibility is scholarship. The grade you receive for this course will not be the grade of the instructor, but rather the grade you and you alone make.
B. You should attend class regularly and be prepared to participate in classroom discussions and to take unannounced quizzes relating to text assignments and lecture material presented from the beginning of the course. Please refer to ‘Class
Attendance and Course Progress’ under the Academic Policies section in our current
CTC Course Catalog: http://www.ctcd.edu/academics/catalogs/catalog-continentalinternational/academic-policies/ .
C. You are encouraged to give your best effort throughout the course. From the beginning, you should plan for a steady, organized, and continuous effort, which in the long run will prove more effective for your final grade than a last minute crashcram policy. Your course grade is not determined solely by exam grade. Such factors as class participation, initiative, attendance, and individual research papers will be considered in grade computation.
CJSA 1342 Page 2 of 10

D. From time to time, special library and/or outside assignments will be made to members of the class individually and/or in groups. You are expected to read all assignments and fulfill your responsibilities to any group assignment.
E. You are expected to read all assigned material and bring your textbook to class.
Keep informed on all assignments, especially after an absence.
F. Good class notes are indispensable for earning a good grade, since both the material assigned and that discussed in class will be the basis for examination material.
G. Scholastic Honesty: All students are required and expected to maintain the highest standards of scholastic honesty in the preparation of all coursework and during examinations. The following are considered examples of scholastic dishonesty:
Plagiarism: The taking of passages from the writing of others without giving proper credit to the sources.
Collusion: Using another’s work as one’s own, or working together with another person in the preparation of work, unless such joint preparation is specifically approved in advance by the instructor.
Cheating: Giving or receiving information on examinations.
H. Special Work: A term paper or other project, per requirements of the instructor, will be required. The subject must be appropriate for the course material. Check with the instructor when you have made a selection. The value is indicated in the semester grade computation and has considerable weight on your final average.
V. EXAMINATIONS
A. There will be a minimum of two major examinations and a written paper or project as follows:
1.
2.
3.
Mid-term exam on 1-29-2015
Final exam on 2-26-2015
Paper five pages in length (topics to be chosen in class) due on
2-12-2015
B. A student must be present for all examinations. Students who know in advance that they will be absent from an examination due to valid reasons must arrange to take an early examination. Unexpected absences due to illness or extenuating circumstances will require the student to see the instructor about individual make-up work.
C. Students without excused absences will be given a zero for the missed examination.
D. Examinations will consist of both objective (true/false, multiple choice, fill in-theblank, and matching) and subjective (short answer and essay) questions. Students majoring in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement must be able to communicate both orally and in written form, thus some questions requiring the composition and writing of an essay answer will be required.
CJSA 1342 Page 3 of 10

VI. SEMESTER GRADE COMPUTATIONS
The final grade in this course will be based on the following:
EXAM POINTS
Quizzes (8) 25pts each 200
Mid-Term Exam
Final exam
Participation
220
350
80
POINTS GRADES
900-1000 A=4 pts/sem hr
800- 899 B=3 pts/sem hr
700- 799 C=2 pts/sem hr
600- 699 D=1 pt/sem hr
Paper/Project 150
--------------------------------------------
0- 599 F=0 pts/sem hr
TOTAL 1000
A term paper is expected from all students. The instructor may need to teach this concept during the course.
Students may vary in their competency levels on these abilities. You can expect to
acquire these educational abilities only if you honor all course policies, attend classes
regularly, and complete all assignment work in good faith and on time.
VII. NOTES AND ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM COURSE INSTRUCTOR
A.
Tuition refunds are made only in the case of class cancellation or official and timely withdrawal from CTC or from a course. Please refer to the current course catalog for more details, at http://europe.ctcd.edu/library/catalog.php
.
B.
GoArmyEd students should contact their education counselor before withdrawing and are required to withdraw through the GoArmyEd portal.
Please note: a military withdrawal does not override CTC’s grading policy.
For selfpay students , refunds are computed from the date the Application for Withdrawal or
Refund is filed with the CTC Field Representative or designated Student Services
Officer. Special conditions apply to students who receive federal, state, and/or institutional financial aid.
Tuition and fees paid directly to the Institution by the Veterans Administration, Title
IV (Financial Aid Programs, a sponsor, donor, or scholarship shall be refunded to the source rather than directly to the students.
C.
Course Withdrawals, Student Responsibilities: It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from a course. The instructor cannot initiate a withdrawal based upon a student’s request. Rather, students must initiate the withdrawal with the designated
Education Center Representative, through the CTC Field Representative or the Student
Services Officer for that region.
Applications for Withdrawal will be accepted at any time before the completion of 75% of the course, after which time the student will be assigned an “FN”- “Failure for Nonattendance.”
D.
Incomplete / Course in Progress Grade Policy: An “IP” or “Incomplete” grade may be
CJSA 1342 Page 4 of 10

assigned by an instructor if a student has made satisfactory progress in a course with the exception of a major quiz, final exam, or other project. The “IP” grade may also be assigned based on circumstances beyond a student’s control, such as personal illness, death in the immediate family, or military orders. Notice of absences, with supporting documentation, may be required by the instructor. The instructor makes the final decision concerning the granting of the incomplete grade. With an “Incomplete” grade, students are required to complete a set amount of work before the instructor will submit an official letter grade. This date can be determined by the instructor but must be within 45 days of the course end date. After completion of the work the instructor can then change the grade of “IP” to the appropriate letter grade. If this work is not completed by the specified date the instructor will change the grade to “F.”
E.
Cellular phones, beepers, and other electronic devices will be turned off while the student is in the classroom or laboratory unless the student is using the device for class purposes. No texting or social networking is allowed during class.
F.
Instructor Discretion : The instructor reserves the right of final decision in course requirements.
G.
Civility : Individuals are expected to be cognizant of what a constructive educational experience is and respectful of those participating in a learning environment. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
VIII. COURSE OUTLINE
Note:
The instructor has the right to change the course schedule. Any changes will be announced in class. If the student misses a class period and changes are announced, it is the student’s responsibility to receive the missed information from a classmate or the instructor.
A.
Unit One : Course Introduction, Chapter 1: Foundations of Criminal Investigation 1-6-2015
1. Unit Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will: a. Understand the myths of crime solving and the criminal investigation process. b. Explain the ways in which our English roots have influenced current methods of criminal investigation. c. Understand the modern developments in science and crime detection. d. Consider recent research in criminal investigation. e. Compare and contrast deductive and inductive reasoning. f. Understand the various types of investigations, investigators, and modes of investigation. g. Explain the role of the patrol officer in the preliminary investigation.
2. Learning Activities: a. Discuss course requirements and activities as contained in the syllabus b. Classroom lecture/discussion c. Reading Assignment: Chapter 1 d. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
B. Unit Two : Chapter 2, The Crime Scene: Field Notes, Documenting, and Reporting
CJSA 1342 Page 5 of 10

and Chapter 3 Processing the Crime Scene 1-9-2015
1. Unit Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will: a. Explain the ways that field notes can be used to assist the investigator in the preparation of his or her report. b. Learn the proper structure of the report. c. Explain the proper methods of crime scene photography and preservation of photographic evidence. d. Understand how to properly capture the crime scene on digital video. e. Understand the usefulness of the rough and final crime scene sketch. f. Understand the stage of the preliminary investigation and the role of the first officer. g. Understand the various methods for handling special situations at the scene. h. Explain the importance of interviewing witnesses at a crime scene and proper ways of conducting a neighborhood canvass. i. Describe how to properly prepare crime scene reports. j. Explain how to properly perform a follow-up investigation.
2. Learning Activities: a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapters 2&3 c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
C.
Unit Three : Chapter 4, Identification of Criminal Suspects: Field and Laboratory
Processes and Chapter 5, Legal Issues in Criminal Investigation 1-13-2015 & 1-15-2015
1. Unit Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will: a. Understand the fundamentals of fingerprint science. b. Identify the different types of fingerprint patterns. c. Comprehend the various techniques of developing fingerprints. d. Understand the significance of DNA analysis in the criminal investigation process. e. Understand the importance of handwriting analysis in suspect development. f. Learn the legalities of police line-ups in suspect identification. g. Discuss relevant U.S. Supreme Court precedents relating to police searches. h. Understand the requirements of warrantless searches. i. Explain how to properly structure a search warrant. j. Describe the various methods of executing a search warrant. k. Explain the importance of marking and preserving physical evidence. l. Understand the process of using reasonable force in effecting an arrest. m. Define the term arrest and how that differs from an investigative detention. n. Understand the reasonable application of use of force.
2. Learning Activities: a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapters 4 & 5 c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
D. Unit Four: Chapter 6, Interviews and Interrogations 1-20-2015
CJSA 1342 Page 6 of 10

1. Unit Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will: a. Explain the distinctions between the interview and interrogation. b. Understand the significance of the Miranda decision. c. Appreciate the value of admissions and confessions. d. Explain the different techniques used in interviews and interrogations. e. Understand the process of taking a written statement. f. Realize the investigative utility of the polygraph exam.
2. Learning Activities:
2. Learning Activities: a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapter 6 c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
E.
Unit Five: Chapter 7, Criminal Intelligence and Surveillance Operations and
Chapter 8, Management of Informants and Undercover Operations 1-22-2015
1. Unit Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will: a. Understand the roles and types of criminal intelligence. b. Identify the procedures of intelligence collection. c. Explain the types of flowcharting used in intelligence-gathering operations. d. Understand the usefulness of undercover investigations. e. Describe the steps and resources required to properly implement an undercover investigation. f. Explain the types of surveillance in criminal investigation as well as the benefits of a properly conducted intelligence operation. g. Describe the types of people used as informants. h. Identify various areas of concern in the use of informants. i. Understand the various motivations of informants. j. Document and process an informant properly. k. Maintain control of an informant during an investigation. l. Protect an informant’s identity. m. Understand the problems most commonly associated with the use of informants. n. Understand the usefulness of undercover investigations.
2. Unit Activities: a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapters 7 & 8 c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
F.
Unit Six : Chapter 9, Death Investigations 1-27-2015 & 1-29-2015
1. Unit Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will: a. Identify the various modes of death. b. Understand the duties of the responding officer. c. Learn the fundamentals of protecting the crime scene. d. Learn techniques used in identifying the victim. e. Understand the methods used in estimating time of death. f. Understand the significance of defense wounds.
CJSA 1342 Page 7 of 10

g. Interpret entrance and exit wounds. h. Identify the characteristics of an autoerotic death.
2. Learning Activities:
2. Unit Activities: a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapter 9 c. Review/Midterm d. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
G.
Unit Seven : Chapter 10, Robbery: and Chapter 11, Assault and Related Offenses 2-3-2015 &
2-5-2015
1. Unit Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will: a. Understand the motivations behind the crime of Robbery. b. Identify the legal elements of the crime of robbery. c. List the steps to follow in the preliminary investigation of robbery offenses. d. Identify various types of physical evidence found in robberies. e. Appreciate the role of the witness in a robbery investigation. f. Explain the function of the neighborhood canvass during a preliminary investigation. g. Describe the legal definition of assault. h. Identify various types of assault. i. Understand the problem of domestic violence and recent assault legislation. j. Explain the methods of investigating stalking cases. k. Identify symptoms of possible child abuse. l. List and discuss the steps in investigating child abuse m. Understand techniques of rape victim interviews. n. Identify evidence in rape cases.
2. Learning Activities: a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapters 10 & 11 c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
H.
Unit Eight: Chapter 12, Missing and Abducted Persons 2-10-2015
1. Unit Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will: a. Understand the complexity of the nation’s missing person’s problem. b. Discuss the first responder’s role in missing person’s cases. c. Identify the steps in investigating missing and abducted persons. d. List and discuss the different categories of missing and abducted persons. e. Explain police supervisor responsibilities in missing person’s cases. f. Identify the guidelines for interviewing suspects in missing persons and abduction cases. g. Understand the investigator’s role in missing and abducted persons cases.
2. Learning Activities: a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapter 12
CJSA 1342 Page 8 of 10

c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
I.
Unit Nine: Chapter 13, Crimes Against Children: Child Abuse and Child Fatalities and
Chapter 14, Theft-Related Offenses 2-12-2015
1. Unit Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will: a. Describe the roles of and distinctions between the pedophile and the child molester. b. Understand the problem of child abuse and the investigator’s response to the problem. c. Identify the various techniques of child molestation investigations. d. Discuss the role of the medical profession in cases involving sexual misconduct with children. e. Identify interview techniques for child victims of sexual misconduct. f. Understand the problems associated with placing children on the witness stand in criminal trials. g. Discuss the preliminary investigation of burglaries. h. Consider the various types of evidence required in a burglary case. i. Describe how to trace stolen property. j. Understand the problems of forgery and fraud. k. Define the various types of embezzlement l. Understand the problem of shoplifting. m. Understand the extent of the motor vehicle theft problem.
2. Learning Activities: a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapters 13 & 143 c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
J.
Unit Ten: Chapter 15 Arson, Bombings, and Terrorism 2-17-2015
1. Unit Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will: a. Understand the scope of the problem of arson. b. Learn the legal definitions and elements of the crime of arson. c. Appreciate the relationship between police and fire investigators. d. Explain the techniques of arson investigation. e. Learn how to investigate bombs and bombers. f. Understand the distinction between domestic and international terrorism.
2. Learning Activities: a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapter 15 c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
K. Unit Eleven: Chapter 16, Gangs, Organized Crime, and Drugs and Chapter 17,
White-Collar and Computer Crime 2-19-2015
1. Unit Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will: a. Understand the extent to which gangs exist in the United States. b. Explain the businesses of gangs and organized crime.
CJSA 1342 Page 9 of 10

c. Describe how criminal groups involve themselves in the illicit drug trade. d. List the categories of drug dependence. e. Describe the most common drugs of abuse. f. Learn the provisions of the Federal Controlled Substances ACT (CSA). g. Learn how drug and gang investigations are initiated. h. Understand the various types of Whit-Collar Crime. i. Understand the problem of money-laundering investigations. j. List the various techniques used by organized crime to hide or “launder” illicit financial proceeds. k. Learn the different types of computer offenses known today. l. Know what evidence to look for in the investigation of computer crimes. m. Understand the profile of the computer crime suspect.
2. Learning Activities: a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapter’s 16 & 17 c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
L.
Unit Twelve: Chapter 18, Preparation for Court 2-24-2015
1. Unit Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will: a. Learn the role of pretrial procedures in prosecution of the defendant. b. Understand how the criminal trial process operates. c. Evaluate the differences between direct and cross-examination. d. Learn how investigators prepare for court. e. Understand the techniques most commonly used by defense attorneys to discredit an investigator’s testimony. f. Learn the importance of good courtroom demeanor when testifying in court.
2. Learning Activities: a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapter 18 c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
M.
Unit Sixteen: 2-26-2014
1. Review for final exam
2. Final exam
CJSA 1342 Page 10 of 10