Crime scene analysis combines the human factor with scientific procedures and methods to interpret what has occurred. While the scientific evidence may speak for itself, it requires human understanding and voices to translate that evidence into a court of law in order to ensure that justice is always served.
If you're interested in pursuing a career in crime scene investigation, this self-paced course will introduce you to the basics of practical crime scene investigation procedures and techniques. Covering the history of forensic investigation from the ancient Chinese culture to the phenomena known today as the "CSI-Effect" on the general population, the class explains the methods and protocol involved in the crime scene investigator's two prime directives: protect and preserve the evidence.
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Course Description
If you're interested in pursuing a career in crime scene investigation, this course will introduce you to the basics of practical crime scene investigation procedures and techniques. Covering the history of forensic investigation from the ancient Chinese culture to the phenomena known today as the "CSI-Effect" on the general population, this course explains the methods and protocol involved in the crime scene investigator's two prime directives: protect and preserve the evidence.
This course covers such topics as how to initially approach a crime scene; the importance of following proper procedure and protocol in searching, collecting, and packaging crime scene evidence; how to insure the integrity and chain of evidence rules that will be acceptable in a court of law; how to identify and collect various forms of evidence ranging from biological fluids to weapons and firearms; and how to document a crime scene as well as explain different techniques for handling evidence.
This crime scene investigation course also offers techniques for interviewing witnesses and family members as well as understanding such terms as victimology and equivocal crime scenes. We'll also study the basics of blood spatter interpretation, wound anatomy, and how to observe a crime scene properly.
From initial arrival at a crime scene to testifying in court, this online class offers students the basics of one of the most fascinating jobs within the field of law enforcement.
Course Lessons
Lesson 1: A Brief History of Forensic Investigation
From Jack the Ripper to DNA analysis, forensics is an evolving technology in criminal investigations.
Lesson 2: Crime Scene Investigation Defined
This lesson describes how to analyze both physical and material evidence when investigating a crime scene.
Lesson 3: Protecting the Evidence
This lesson discusses how to maintain a pristine crime scene that is free of contamination.
Lesson 4: Setting Crime Scene Perimeters
This lesson describes how to cordon off the crime scene area to protect evidence.
Lesson 5: Dealing with Witnesses and Family Members
This lesson will explain how to talk to family members and witnesses and how to conduct the interviews.
Lesson 6: Identifying Physical Evidence
This lesson explains how not to jump to conclusions when examining evidence and how to interpret findings at a crime scene.
Lesson 7: Types of Evidence
This lesson explains the difference between physical and material evidence and how to interpret each one.
Lesson 8: What Does a CSI Technician Do?
This lesson explains the crime scene investigator's duties and how their work is related to that of law enforcement departments.
Lesson 9: Processing a Crime Scene
This lesson discusses the different methods of processing a crime scene.
Lesson 10: Scene Documentation
This lesson explains the importance of correctly documenting evidence.
Lesson 11: Collecting the Evidence
This lesson explains the importance of proper evidence collection techniques and the procedure for properly collecting evidence.
Lesson 12: Interpreting a Crime Scene
This lesson discusses the procedures to correctly interpret a crime scene.
Lesson 13: Techniques for Handling Evidence
How evidence is handled, collected and sealed can be crucial when going to trial.
Lesson 14: Blood Spatter Interpretation
This lesson describes how bloodstains and blood spray or spatter patterns can be interpreted.
Lesson 15: Autopsy and Wound Anatomy
This lesson discusses pathology's role in determining how and when death occurred.
Lesson 16: Reconstructing a Crime Scene
This lesson explains how reconstructing the crime scene can determine what and how the incident occurred.
Lesson 17: Crime Scene Kits and Equipment
This lesson describes the clothes and equipment necessary to investigate a crime scene.
Lesson 18: Test Your Mettle
Do you have the drive and determination to become a crime scene investigator?
Final Exam
Final exam
Optional Certificates Awarded
Certificate of Class Participation
Certificate of Academic Excellence
In addition to the standard Certificate of Course Completion, Merit Awards may be issued by the instructor at his/her own discretion and are based on student achievement. Merit awards also incur an additional $30.00 processing fee that covers the customization, printing, and delivery of the award, as well as access to the UniversalClass™ Portfolio Service that documents your achievements online. Official Merit Awards have a serial number that verifies the authenticity of the award (great for employers to verify your achievement).
This is a non-credit course, and is provided for your personal enrichment.
This course is not intended to be a substitute for any state, government, licensing, or educational requirements.
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