CJ 272 Criminal Investigations (5 credits)
Distribution Area Fulfilled General Transfer Elective
Course Description
Through the lens of criminal cases, explore investigative theory, sources of information, interview and interrogation techniques, false and coerced confessions, crime patterns, criminal law and procedures, the role of an investigator, and report writing.
Course Content
A. The evolution of criminal investigations
B. Basic criminal investigation terms and concepts
C. The role of a criminal investigator
D. Laws and procedures related to criminal investigations
E. Identification of suspects and witnesses
F. Interviewing and interrogation techniques
G. Victim and eyewitness interviewing
H. Interrogations and confessions
I. False confessions, coerced confessions, and exonerations from police misconduct
J. Information from the public, the media, electronic networks and other sources
K. Criminal intelligence and surveillance operations
L. Informant management and undercover operations
M. The court process and preparing for trial
N. Legal issues in criminal investigations
O. Effective report writing
Student Outcomes
1. Analyze criminal investigations, their evolution, and how they serve a larger function in the effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System.
2. Evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of various criminal investigative techniques.
3. Explore the role and responsibilities of the investigator with an emphasis on the ethical application of laws and investigative techniques when conducting a criminal investigation.
4. Synthesize information to write accurate, logical, and detailed reports to communicate analytic processes and findings.
5. Explore one’s positionality and biases and how these impact their view of criminal investigations.
Degree Outcomes
Program Outcomes:
Graduates will critically apply theoretically sound judgment in crime analysis and criminal investigation.
Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of laws, procedures, policies, and functions of the United States criminal justice system and other justice systems.
Critical, Creative, and Reflective Thinking
Graduates will evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and generate ideas; construct informed, meaningful, and justifiable conclusions; and process feelings, beliefs, biases, strengths, and weaknesses as they relate to their thinking, decisions, and creations.
Effective Communication
Graduates will be able to craft and exchange ideas and information in a variety of situations in response to the audience, context, purpose, and motivation.
Information Literacy
Graduates will be critical users, creators, and disseminators of information by examining how information is created, valued, and influenced by power and privilege.
Lecture Contact Hours 50
Lab Contact Hours 0
Clinical Contact Hours 0
Total Contact Hours 50
Potential Methods
A. Case studies
B. Team assignments
C. Objective tests
D. Subjective tests
E. Self-evaluation
F. Instructor evaluation
G. Peer evaluation
H. Class discussion
I. Projects
J. Presentations
K. Oral presentation
L. Portfolios
M. Role playing
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