Plan of Study – Crime Scene Practice

Note: A Semester Hour (s.h.) is a unit of academic credit representing an hour of class (such as lecture class) or three hours of laboratory work each week for an academic semester. Most courses are two, three or four semester hours.

Crime Scene Practice: Cert Comp

Crime Scene Practice: Certificate of Completion

Certificate Courses (Minimum of 16 semester hours required.)

CJ 1020 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3 s.h.)

An overview of the criminal justice system in the United States. The history of law enforcement; the political, sociological, and philosophic background of police functions, the courts and corrections system; constitutional problems as they relate to the police function; and the use of recent technology in criminal justice is explored.

CJ 3040 Criminal Law and Procedure (CJ*/FOR) (3 s.h.)

This course examines the elements of criminal law, its purposes and its legal function. The course will focus on case law that relates to the laws of arrest, search and seizure, the rights and duties of officers and its citizens. Students will study the elements necessary to establish crime and criminal intent, sources of criminal law, criminal investigation procedures, criminal responsibility and general court procedures.

CJ 4230 Homicide Investigation (3 s.h.)

Study of many facets which comprise a thorough, sound, and reliable homicide investigation; inquiry into new investigative techniques as well as a review of State laws concerning homicide. Consideration of case preparation, warrant writing, arrests, arraignment, and preliminary examinations.

CJ 4450 Interviewing and Investigative Report Writing (3 s.h.)

The art of interviewing and interrogation and the comprehensive skills necessary for the integration and documentation of information that is obtained from a wide variety of sources. Prerequisite: CJ 1020. At the completion of the course, students will be able to: 1. Complete a comprehensive police report. 2. Analyze the laws of criminal investigation. 3. Apply interview techniques in a given investigative context. 4. Apply criminal interrogation techniques in a given investigative context.

FOR 1010 Introduction to Forensic Science (3 s.h.)

Introduction to the theory and application of modern forensic science techniques including analysis of biological samples, drugs, impressions, firearms, and other physical evidence. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Corequisite: FOR 1010.LB.

FOR1010L Introduction to Forensic Science Lab (1 s.h.)

Introduction to the theory and application of modern forensic science techniques. Fundamental science concepts applied to crime scene evidence collection and analysis. Laboratory meets 3 hours per week. Corequisite: FOR 1010.