Criminal Investigation Syllabus

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title:

Criminal Investigation

Course Prefix & Number: 

CJSA1342

Section Number: 

380

Semester/Year:

FA20  2nd 8wks

Semester Credit Hours:

3

Lecture Hours:

3

Lab Hours:

0

Course Description (NCTC Catalog): Investigative theory; collection and preservation of evidence, sources of information, interview and interrogation, uses of forensic sciences, case and trial preparation.   

Course Prerequisite(s): NONE

Required Course Materials: Criminal Investigation 11th edition with MindTap.  Authors: Hess, Orthmann, and Cho.  You will need MindTap to complete some of the required assignments.

             

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:

Cliff Downey

Campus/Office Location:

Gainesville/2107

Telephone Number:

940-668-3313 (Office)

E-mail Address:

cdowney@nctc.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

1:00– 5:00

Phone or Webex

Office: by appt.

1:00 – 5:00

Phone or Webex

1:00 - 5:00

Phone or Webex

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog)

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.

Define the goals and objectives of criminal investigation

2.

Demonstrate ability to conduct proper crime scene investigations

3.

Illustrate the use of forensic science for various statutory offenses

4.

Organize the criminal case including field notes, reports, crime scene activities, and mandatory documentation of statutory warning

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements

Graded Course Elements

Percentage or Point Values

5

Exams

15%

8

Quizzes

10%

14

Video Scenarios

10%

5

Discussion Forums

10%

1

Mid-Term

20%

1

Final Exam

20%

1

Final Project

15%

 

COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE

Chapter 1

Criminal Investigations; An overview

Chapter 2

Documenting the Crime scene; Note Taking, Sketching, Photographing

Chapter 3

Writing Effective Reports

Chapter 4

Searches

Chapter 5

Forensics/Physical Evidence

 

 

Chapter 8

Death Investigation

Chapter 9

Assault, Domestic Violence, Stalking and Elder Abuse

Chapter 10

Sex Offenses

Chapter 11

Crimes Against Children

Chapter 12

Robbery

Chapter 13

Burglary

 

Chapter 14

Larceny/Theft, Fraud and White Collar Crimes

Chapter 17

Computer Crime

Chapter 20

Terrorism and Homeland Security

 

PROGRAM PURPOSE STATEMENT

NCTC seeks to implement its goal of providing quality freshman and sophomore level courses in arts and sciences that parallel the lower division offerings of four-year colleges and universities by offering a coherent sequence of courses with appropriate breadth and depth to prepare student for transfer to a university.

 

DEPARTMENTAL PURPOSE STATEMENT

The Law Enforcement department prepares students for careers in every aspect of criminal justice, (police, courts and corrections), and for advanced degrees.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered.  All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor.  It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member.  Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence.  Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work.  Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor.  A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam.  Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives.    Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)

In an online class, attendance is taken by the completion of assignments. Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is November 23, 2020.

 

DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services for students with disabilities, students enrolled in technical areas of study, and students who are classified as special populations (i.e. single parents).

Support services for students with disabilities might include appropriate and reasonable accommodations, or they may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, career counseling, etc.  Furthermore, OSD Counselors work with students to encourage self-advocacy and promote empowerment. The Counselors also provides resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify.

If you feel you have needs for services that the institution provides, please reach out to either Wayne Smith (940) 498-6207 or Yvonne Sandman (940) 668-4321.  Alternative students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 110 in Gainesville.

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)________     

 

o         Communication

o         Mathematics              

o         Life and Physical Science

o         Language, Philosophy & Culture

o         Creative Arts

o         American History

 

o         Government/Political Science

o         Social and Behavioral Sciences

o         Component Area Option

 

 

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)

 

o            Critical Thinking

o           Communication

o           Empirical and Quantitative

 

o           Teamwork

o           Personal Responsibility

o           Social Responsibility

 

COURSE TYPE

o           Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)

o        Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

x        WECM Course

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online.

 

 

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion.  Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty.  See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”. 

 

Consequences for academic dishonesty may include:

  • First time warning and a zero on the assignment.
  • An F in the class.

 

 

 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

Name of Chair/Coordinator:

Dr. Cherly Furdge

Office Location:

Corinth Campus Suite #239 Office 234

Telephone Number:

940-498-6238

E-mail Address:

cfurdge@nctc.edu

Name of Instructional Dean:

Debbie Huffman

Office Location:

Gainesville Campus Bldg. 2100 Office #2106

Telephone Number:

940-668-3357

E-mail Address:

dhuffman@nctc.edu

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