Tuesday/Thursday 9:30am-10:45am
Explanation of Course Alignment:
This course covers the fundamental principles and procedures employed in the investigation of crimes. It is a comprehensive introduction to criminal investigation, from the point of police responding to the crime, collection of evidence, and police reports. The course connects criminal investigation cases to the real world through innovative pedagogy, and encourages students to think critically. This course is designed to develop a working knowledge of the steps of investigation beginning with the initial security of the crime scene and concluding with the presentation of evidence.
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate the fundamentals procedures when responding to a crime scene.
2. Explain the fundamentals of investigating speci c major crimes.
3. Explain the role of "basic leads" inthe identi cation of suspects.
4. Explain the legal signi cance and integrity of evidence in relation to all aspects of criminal investigation.
5. Explain ethical awareness in criminal investigation.
Faculty Contact Information
Monday-Thursday 12:30p-4pm
Dr. Melvina Calvin-Edwards
Course Information
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the fundamentals procedures when responding to a crime scene.
- Explain the fundamentals of investigating specific major crimes.
- Explain the role of "basic leads" inthe identification of suspects.
- Explain the legal significance and integrity of evidence in relation to all aspects of criminal investigation.
- Explain ethical awareness in criminal investigation.
Lyman, M., Criminal Investigation. 3rd ed. Pearson.
Evaluation:
Attendance/Participation 5pts per class 160pts total
Hands On forensic science activity (7)10 pts per activity 70 points total
(finger printing, drug analysis, packaging of evidence, footwear impressions, gunshot residue, blood typing, report writing)
Group Case discussions 5 pts per class 160pts total
Quizzes (4) 25 pts each 100 pts total
Final Exam Investigation & Mock Crime Scene 100pts
Mock simulated crime scene simulation with reports (5) 100 pts each=500pts
Simulation 100-Point Breakdown
(Sexual Assault, Burglary, Murder, Domestic Battery, Retail Theft)
*Students are expected to apply procedure, decision-making, and documentation
| Component | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Simulation Participation | Active engagement, professionalism, role adherence, teamwork | 20 |
| Scene Assessment & Decision-Making | Proper identification of criminal elements, evidence recognition, safety considerations | 20 |
| Accuracy of Facts | Clear, factual, objective documentation of events | 20 |
| Written Report Quality | Organization, clarity, grammar, correct terminology, professional tone | 20 |
| Application of Legal & Procedural Standards | Correct use of criminal elements, probable cause, chain of custody, policies | 20 |
| Total | 100 Points |
TOTAL POINTS: 890PTS
100% – 90% = A
89% -- 80% = B
79% – 70% = C
69% --60% = D
***ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED ON CANVAS AND NOT BY EMAIL.
**Students must attend all simulations to aquire the points. Failure to do so will require the student to make the points up by writing a 5 page paper on the instructors topic of choice to make up for the simulation points.
Business, Technology & Human Services
Dean, Paul Carlson; 815-802-8858; V105; pcarlson@kcc.edu; Division Office – W102; 815-802-8650
Course Policies
Covid-19: KCC continues to comply with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and the Illinois Department of Public Health as we teach and learn in the COVID-19 era. Masks are optional. Time Commitment Expectation: At a minimum, the average person can expect to spend one to two additional hours outside of class. This time will be dedicated to reading the textbook chapter(s), answering study questions, studying for quizzes and tests. Class Attendance: Regular attendance at all scheduled class sessions is expected. There are NO excused absences. To receive full class attendance points, you must not be late or leave early. Reading assignments are indicated on the schedule and should be finished before the topic is covered in class. Some important information provided during the lecture does not appear in your textbook, but you will find it useful for completing your labs, quizzes or tests. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain handouts and information presented for any class for which he/she is absent. If a student misses four or more classes in one semester, he/she will receive an automatic “F”. FATS Simulator Lab, Apartment and CJ patrol vehicle Safety: Students will be allowed to learn through simulations in the simulated apartment and FATS simulator. Students will not be allowed to work in the simulated apartment Lab and FATS simulator outside of enrolled class times without prior approval or consent of instructor or program coordinator and direct supervision of tutor, instructor or program coordinator. Students must sign the college safety contract to participate in this course. There is also a safety contract students must sign in order to participate with the Criminal Justice FATS simulator and drive the Criminal Justice patrol vehicle for students with a valid driver’s license. Quiz/test Policy: Quizzes and test can be made up. Any student arriving late for the quiz will not be given extra time to complete the quiz. Quizzes/tests may not be taken online outside of class. It is the responsibility of the student to request to make up the quiz or test within a week. After a week and the student fails to take a quiz or test, the student will receive a zero. Extra Credit Policy: Students may earn extra credit by participating in approved activities outside of regular class time. Opportunities include, but are not limited to, attending Teen Court sessions, volunteering at police agency events, or other community-based criminal justice activities as announced by the instructor.
Extra credit will be awarded in the form of points added to course assignments or overall grade at the instructor’s discretion.
Students must provide verification of attendance or participation (e.g., signed documentation, supervisor confirmation, or a brief reflection paper) within one week of the event to receive credit.
Extra credit is intended to enhance learning and cannot replace required coursework. Points earned through extra credit are limited to a maximum of 5% of the final grade.
Extra credit points are added on top of the required course points. However, they are capped, depending on the instructor’s chosen limit. Extra credit cannot replace required assignments.
All extra credit opportunities must be pre-approved by the instructor to ensure fairness and relevance to course objectives.
Classroom Code of Conduct: Use of cell phones during class is not permitted. Use of tablets or laptops during class is not permitted. No texting, Twitter, Facebook, Internet surfing not related to Law Enforcement, No playing or watching video games. No sleeping. Please turn off or set cell phones to vibrate. If a call must be answered, please leave the classroom quietly. No disruptive side conversations while the instructor is teaching. If you violate any of these policies, you will lose that day’s attendance points and be asked to leave the class. Students need to adhere to the Code of Conduct located in the college catalog.
COURSE CALENDAR
| Week 1 | Introduction Overview of syllabus and course material
Chapter 1: Foundations of Criminal Investigations | During this first week you will be introduced to the course, given your “The Case” assignment, and walked through the syllabus. You will also be given the first Instructor Assignment (IA). You will also receive clarification on the research paper so you can get started. You will view the first PowerPoint lecture and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn participation points. Reading for next week: Ch 2 |
|
| Week 2 | Chapter 2: The Crime Scene: Field Notes, Documenting, & Reporting Pre-Test PowerPoint Lecture Ice breaker: “Who are you?” | During this class you will participate in a discussion about IA #1 & “The Case” Ch 1. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapters 2 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn participation points. Lastly, you will take a pre-test that is not graded. Reading for next week: Ch 3 | “The Case” for Chapter 1 (10 points) Due __________ “The Case” for Chapter 2 (10 points) Due __________ |
| Week 3 | Chapter 3: Processing the Crime Scene PowerPoint Lecture | During this class you will participate in a discussion about IA #2 & “The Case” Ch 2. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapters 3 participate in class exercises and discussions to earn participation points. EXAM #1 Reading for next week: Ch 4 | “The Case” for Chapter 3 (10 points) Due __________ |
| Week 4 | Chapter 4: Identifying Criminal Suspects: Field & Laboratory Process PowerPoint Lecture | During this class you will participate in a discussion about IA #3. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapter 4 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn participation points.
Reading for next week: Ch 5 |
“The Case” for Chapter 4 (10 points) Due __________ |
| Week 5 | Chapter 5: Legal Issues in Criminal Investigations PowerPoint Lecture | During this class you will participate in a discussion about IA #4 & “The Case” Ch 4. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapter 5 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn participation points. Reading for next week: Ch 6 | “The Case” for Chapter 5 (10 points) Due __________ |
| Week 6 | Chapter 6: Interviews and Interrogations PowerPoint Lecture | During this class you will participate in a discussion about IA #5. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapter 6 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn participation points. EXAM #2 Reading for next week: Ch 7 | “The Case” for Chapter 6 (10 points) Due __________ |
| Week 7 | Chapter 7: Criminal Intelligence and Surveillance Operations PowerPoint Lecture | During this class you will participate in a discussion about “The Case” Ch 6. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapter 7 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn participation points. Reading for next week: Ch 8 | “The Case” for Chapter 7 (10 points) Due __________ |
| Week 8 | Chapter 8: Informant Management and Undercover Operations PowerPoint Lecture | During this class you will participate in a discussion about IA #6 & “The Case” Ch 7. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapter 8 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn participation points.
Reading for next week: Ch 9 | “The Case” for Chapter 8 (10 points) Due __________ |
| Week 9 | Chapter 9: Death Investigations PowerPoint Lecture | During this class you will participate in a discussion about “The Case” Ch 8. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapter 9 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn participation points. EXAM #3 Reading for next week: Ch 10 | “The Case” for Chapter 9 (10 points) Due __________ |
| Week 10 | Chapter 10: Robbery PowerPoint Lecture | During this class you will participate in a discussion about IA #7. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapter 10 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn participation points. Reading for next week: Ch 11 | “The Case” for Chapter 10 (10 points) Due __________ |
| Week 11 | Chapter 11: Assault Related Offenses PowerPoint Lecture | During this class you will participate in a discussion about “The Case” Ch 10. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapter 11 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn participation points. Reading for next week: Ch 12 | “The Case” for Chapter 11 (10 points) Due __________ |
| Week 12 | Chapter 12: Missing and Abducted Persons PowerPoint Lecture | During this class you will participate in a discussion about IA #8. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapter 12 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn participation points. Exam #4 Reading for next week: Ch 13 | “The Case” for Chapter 12 (10 points) Due __________ |
| Week 13 | Chapter 13: Crimes Against Children: Child Abuse and Child Fatalities PowerPoint Lecture | During this class you will participate in a discussion about “The Case” Ch 12. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapter 13 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn participation points. Reading for next week: Ch 14 |
“The Case” for Chapter 13 (10 points) Due __________ |
| Week 14 | Chapter 14: Theft and Fraud-Related Offenses PowerPoint Lecture | During this class you will participate in a discussion about IA #9 & “The Case” Ch 13. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapter 14 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn participation points. Reading for next week: Chs 15 | “The Case” for Chapter 14 (10 points) Due __________ |
| Week 15 | Chapter 15: Arson and Bombings PowerPoint Lecture Chapter 16: Terrorism and National Security Crimes PowerPoint Lecture | During this class you will participate in a discussion about “The Case” Ch 14. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapters 15 & 16 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn participation points. |
“The Case” for Chapter 15 (10 points) Due __________ |
| Week 16 | FINAL EXAM | Exam | Exam |
Class rules
College Policies, Resources and Supports
For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide.
KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:
- Clubs and organizations
- Counseling and referral services
- Office of disability services
- Student complaint policy
- Transfer services
- Tutoring services, etc.
The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course. Further information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at https://kcc.libguides.com/copyright.
|Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.