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Course Descriptions

PLE 140 - Criminal Investigation

4.5 Credits

The Basic Criminal Investigations course will familiarize new police investigators with the process of investigations. The topics included include documentation, information gathering techniques, investigative tools and techniques, crime analysis and crime patterning, informants and confidential sources, forensics, crimes against persons, crimes against property, specialized investigative topics courtroom testimony/case preparation, and media relations.

Prerequisite: Current law enforcement officer status, or acceptable alternative as authorized by Public Safety Training Facility.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the process of basic criminal investigations to include; the overall goals of the criminal investigation and the decision-making matrix throughout the process.
2. Explain and demonstrate the important concepts relative to case documentation during investigative note taking and reporting to include; the legal intricacies of Rosario/Brady.
3. Explain how the crime scene technical work such as photography, fingerprints and scene sketching relates to the overall goals of the criminal investigation.
4. Describe the framework of managing the criminal investigation and the role that the investigator plays in the process.
5. Define statements and affidavits and explain how these two documents fit into the criminal investigation process.
6. Explain and demonstrate the most effective methodology to perform criminal debriefing.
7. Define interview and interrogation and demonstrate the techniques to elicit truthful information from persons to include the legal intricacies of Miranda.
8. Define and demonstrate canvassing in the overall criminal investigation process.
9. Explain when the subpoena would be of value during the criminal investigation.
10. Describe a legally permissible search warrant and identify deficiencies in a search warrant application.
11. Explain the importance of rules of evidence and chain of custody in the overall criminal investigative process.
12. Explain the various identification procedures associated with eye-witness testimony.
13. Explain the legal considerations associated with various method of locating a suspect.
14. Explain how crime analysis can assist with the crime scene pattern function.
15. Explain the importance of developing informants and confidential sources of information.
16. Explain how the crime laboratory can be of assistance during the criminal investigation; to include computer and mobile communication devices and firearms tracing.
17. Describe special investigations: to include; child abuse, adult abuse, sexual investigations, missing persons investigations, human trafficking, death investigations, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, insurance fraud, identity theft, narcotics and pharmaceutical diversion, bias/hate crimes, domestic and international terrorism and cold cases.
18. List the methods used to follow-up leads associated with traceable property.
19. Explain the value of equitable sharing and asset forfeiture programs.
20. Describe direct and cross examination relative to courtroom testimony.

Course Offered Spring

Use links below to see if this course is offered:
Fall Semester 2024
Spring Semester 2024
Summer Session 2024