Online Class: Crime Scene Investigation 101

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.
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  • 19
    Lessons
  • 38
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 352
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 17
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.7
    CEUs
 
 
 

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 ensure 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.

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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

    When investigating any crime scene, the investigator, whether police officer, detective or technician, must also take into consideration a philosophical approach to the 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

    Physical evidence is something that can seen, smelled or touched. Material evidence is also commonly known as trace evidence.

  • 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
 

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.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Student Testimonials

  • "Excellent intructor, good feedback, very objective and professional and hope to take another course in the future." -- Gisela I.

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