Class Syllabus: Crime Scene Investigation 101

Office Hours:	Continuous
Course Meeting Times:	Continuous

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 Requirements

This course will not require you to have previous experience in any particular area but you should have a high school reading level. No books will be required

Course Goals

Ø Major advancements in Criminal Investigations

Ø How to protect the evidence

Ø Importance of non-contamination

Ø Following proper procedure and protocol

Ø Setting perimeters

Ø Techniques and methods to question eyewitnesses

Ø The difference between what you see vs. what you think

Ø Types of Evidence (impressions, biological evidence, trace evidence, firearms/weapons)

Ø Introduction to techniques/methods of processing a crime scene

Ø Scene Documentation (diagrams, measurements, sketches, photographs, notes/reports)

Ø Proper protocol for collecting the evidence

Ø Observations and interpreting a crime scene

Ø Blood Spatter Interpretation

Ø Autopsy protocol and interpretation of wounds

Course Materials

All course material will be provided in the lessons and netlinks. There are no required materials to purchase before taking the class.

Grading Policy

Each lesson will include a lesson review quiz and an assignment designed to highlight lesson topics. Students will successfully complete this course with 70% or better.

Course Topics

· Lesson 1: A Brief History of Forensic Investigation

· Lesson 2: Crime Scene Investigation Defined

· Lesson 3: Protecting the Evidence

· Lesson 4: Setting Crime Scene Perimeters

· Lesson 5: Dealing with Witnesses and Family Members

· Lesson 6: Identifying Physical Evidence

· Lesson 7: Types of Evidence

· Lesson 8: What Does a CSI Technician Do?

· Lesson 9: Processing a Crime Scene

· Lesson 10: Scene Documentation

· Lesson 11: Collecting the Evidence

· Lesson 12: Interpreting a Crime Scene

· Lesson 13: Techniques for Handling Evidence

· Lesson 14: Blood Spatter Interpretation

· Lesson 15: Autopsy and Wound Anatomy

· Lesson 16: Reconstructing a Crime Scene

· Lesson 17: Crime Scene Kits and Equipment

· Lesson 18: Test Your Mettle

· Final Exam

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Summarize the history of forensic investigation.
Define Crime Scene Investigation.
Summarize the procedures for protecting the evidence.
Summarize the processes for setting crime scene perimeters.
Describe the methods used when dealing with witnesses and family members.
Describe ways to identifying physical evidence.
Define types of evidence.
Describe what a CSI Technician does.
Processing a Crime Scene
Summarize how to process and document a crime scene.
Summarize the protocols for collecting evidence.
Describe the techniques for handling evidence.
Summarize how to interpret blood spatter.
Describe crime scene kits and equipment, and
Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

Recommended Books

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