Gordon College
Course Syllabus
Fall 2009
INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
CRJU 2005
COURSE SYLLABUS
Instructor: Sheriff Larry Waller
Office location: 121 Roberta Drive
Barnesville, GA 30204
Office phone number: (770) 358-5159
Office hours: By Appointment
Textbook: Gilbert, James M. (2007). Criminal Investigations (2007) (7th ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ. ISBN 0-13-1962207-8
Course Number: CRN: 613 Course Name: Introduction to Criminal Investigation
Course classroom Russell Hall Rm. 324
Wednesday evening 1800-1645
Credit hours: 3 quarter hours
Prerequisite: CRJU 1001 or instructor approval
MISSION:
The Mission of Gordon College, is to:
1. prepare students for transfer into and success in baccalaureate and professional degree programs through the college transfer program;
2. prepare students for entry into and success in specific occupations and careers especially demanded by the surrounding community through appropriate Associate and Baccalaureate programs;
3. strengthen the academic skills of students otherwise unprepared for entry-level college work through the Learning Support program; and
4. serve the community by providing opportunities for life-long learning and professional development through community service programs
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This class is designed to develop an analytical understanding of the criminal investigative process by merging theoretical and proven practical aspects of crime detection and solution.
COMPETENCY AREAS:
At the end of the course a student that commits to five hours per week of diligent study will have a basic competency in each of the areas listed below.
- Historical origins, basic concepts, methods, and reporting
- Crime scenes, interviewing and interrogation, information sources, computer aided investigation
- Specific criminal offenses
- Narcotics and drug offenses
- Domestic violence, Organized crime, Hate crimes, Arson
- Suspect identification, court appearances
- The future of criminal investigation
OBJECTIVES:
Understand the historical context of investigation
Define the investigative process from starting to reporting
Understand crime scene investigation, interviews and interrogations, and information
Understand burglary, robbery, homicide and aggravated assault, rape and sex crimes,
larceny and drug offenses
Understand gang investigations, domestic violence, hate crimes, organized crime, arson
Understand fingerprinting, voice stress analysis, eyewitness identification
Methods of Instructional Delivery:
This course is presented utilizing traditional delivery methods.
Attendance:
Students are expected to be punctual and attend all classes, exams and other meetings as required by each course’s schedule or as indicated in the course syllabus. THERE ARE NO EXCUSED ABSENCES. ALL ABSENCES COUNT EQUALLY REGARDLESS OF THE REASON. Students are responsible for all material covered in classes missed. Class work or exams missed may be made up at the discretion of the instructor.
Three tardies are counted as one absence, and leaving early three times is counted as one absence.
The instructor for a course has the final decision on the attendance policy for his/her classes. Students can appeal an attendance decision by following the academic appeals process in the student handbook.
INSTRUCTOR POLICY: IF A STUDENT MISSES MORE THAN ONE CLASS, FIVE POINTS WILL BE DEDUCTED FROM THE FINAL AVERAGE FOR EACH ADDITIONAL ABSENCE. AFTER THREE ABSENCES TEN POINTS WILL BE DEDUCTED FROM THE FINAL AVERAGE FOR EACH ABSENCE OVER ONE. THREE TARDIES EQUAL ONE ABSENCE.
Example 1. Miss 1 class…. No penalty 2.25 hr. of class missed
Example 2. Miss 2 classes.. Deduct 5 pts. (2-1*5=5) 4.5 hr. of class missed
Example 3. Miss 3 classes.. Deduct 10 pts. (3-1*5=10) 6.75 hr. of class missed
Example 4. Miss 4 classes Deduct 20 pts. (4-1*10=30) 9.0 hr. of class missed
Example 5. Miss 5 classes Deduct 40 pts. (5-1*10=40) 11.25 hr of class missed
Quality of Student Work : Use of proper grammar, correct spelling, and writing principles are expected in all work. Full credit will not be granted for work that contains grammar or spelling errors. All papers must be typed and adhere to rules of the American Psychological Association (APA format).
Evaluation: The following grading scale will be utilized in the determination of the student’s course grade.
Percentage of Points Earned Corresponding Letter Grade
90 to 100% A
80 to 89% B
70 to 79% C
60 to 69% D
0 to 59% F
The student’s knowledge of the material presented in this course will be evaluated based on the satisfactory completion of all assigned work. The student will also be examined on his/her knowledge of the objectives outlined in each lesson, as presented in the Projected Learning Schedule, which is an integral part of this Syllabus.
Examinations: A mid-term examination and final examination will be given over the course of the quarter. The exams will consist of multiple choice, true false and/or essay questions. The mid-term exam will count as 25% of the final grade and the final exam will also count as 25% of the student’s final grade as well. Examinations may not be made up except under exigent circumstances as approved by the instructor. Students are expected to discuss these issues with the instructor in advance of the examinations.
Homework: Homework assignments will be given during the quarter in an effort to promote independent study of the subject matter. Examples of potential assignments include essay questions, independent research, individual class presentations and chapter review questions. Students are expected to complete assignments as given. Students are expected to participate in class discussions and debates. Completion of assignments and participation in class discussions will count as 25% of the final grade. Assignments not turned in when collected may not be made up. The only exception is in the event of exigent circumstances when the student has given advanced notice of an absence from class. Students must adhere to the following in reference to homework assignments:
Ø Homework assignments must be typed.
Ø The student must type each question and provide a thoughtful and well-prepared response for each question.
Ø The student should be prepared to defend and justify his/her response.
Ø Students are required to employ college level writing principles to include the use proper grammar and correct spelling.
Project: Each student will select a topic from the index on page 529 of the text and prepare a 6-8 page paper on that topic and present the paper to the class on an assigned evening.
The following rules apply to this project:
1. All papers are due on October 28
2. Assignments will be made for presentation dates
3. Use APA guidelines- Papers may be turned in before November 14 for review before turning it in for a grade.
4. The original must be turned in on October 28 and the student must keep a copy to use in presentation of the paper.
5. Students are to be graded based upon their presentation of the material.
6. Students must use Power-Point slides in making their presentation.
7. Papers must be on time, be 6-8 pages, use proper grammar, correct spelling and punctuation, written in APA style.
PROJECT GRADE
The following criteria will be used:
Content 20%
On time 20%
Number of pages 20%
Sources
Bibliography & cites 10%
Grammar, Spelling, Punctuation 10%
Presentation 20%
There will be no partial credit given for on time and number of pages.
FINAL AVERAGE BREAKDOWN:
Homework/ Participation: 25%
Project 25%
Mid-Term Exam 25%
Final-Exam: 25%
REMEDIATION/ENRICHMENT: Computer labs and tutoring assistance are available for students’ use. If you need additional help from the instructor, please feel free to ask. Your ability to learn and apply the material provided in this course is our number one priority. We want you, the student, to be successful. Please do not be afraid to ask for help, and please take advantage of the resources available to you.
The publishers of the text have included relevant End-of-Chapter Web sites and exercises. The exercises will be assigned as homework that will be discussed during the next class period. Students must read and study the text. Class time will be spent exploring new concepts, practical exercises, and student participation. Examination questions will be drawn from outside study material as well as lecture notes. IF A STUDENT FAILS TO READ AND STUDY THE TEXT HE OR SHE WILL BE UNABLE TO PASS THIS COURSE.
SPECIAL EVENTS: On occasion criminal justice professionals may speak with our classes about their respective fields. In the event that a guest speaker is scheduled, all students are expected to dress in a professional manner. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops, and tennis shoes are unacceptable. Any student who does not comply with this request will be asked to leave and change into appropriate attire. This policy will also apply in the event that the class participates in any educationally enriching field trips or visits.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY AND PLAGIARISM
Any act of academic dishonesty by a student may result in a grade of F or zero for the relevant assignment. An act of academic dishonesty may also result in one or more of the following consequences:
1. a failing grade for the course;
2. charges filed against a student for violation of the Student Code of Conduct as described in the catalog;
3. and/or
4. other measures as deemed appropriate by the instructor.
In any profession especially in Law Enforcement, ethical behavior is mandatory. We are held to a higher standard than the average citizen and each officer should always behave in a manner that will be recognized as a credit to the profession. He voluntarily swears an Oath of Office that assures that his actions are above reproach and he must always refrain from any activity that may have even the appearance of impropriety.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY: Safety is a major concern for any chosen field of study. It is imperative that you become familiar with basic safety precautions and procedures to ensure the well being of you and your colleagues.
Cell Phone Policy:
All cellular phones must be turned off and placed in a purse or book bag during class. An audible cellular phone serves to disrupt the academic environment. Students who answer cellular telephone calls during class should excuse themselves for the remainder of the class. Text messaging during class is also forbidden. Exceptions may be granted only at the discretion of the instructor. Students must discuss this with the instructor prior to any class.
Laptop Computers are not allowed during class sessions. They are encouraged as a learning tool but must be turned off during instructional periods.
PROJECTED LEARNING SCHEDULE
WEEK #1: 19 Aug. Orientation & Chapter 1
WEEK #2: 26 Aug. Chapter 2 & 3
WEEK #3: 2 Sep. Chapter 4
WEEK #4: 9 Sep. Chapter 5
WEEK #5: 16 Sep. Chapter 6
WEEK #6: 23 Sep. Chapter 7 & 8
WEEK #7: 30 Sep. Chapter 9
WEEK #8: 7 Oct. Chapter 10
WEEK #9: 14 Oct. Chapter 11 Mid Term Exam
WEEK #10: 21 Oct. Chapter 12
WEEK #11: 28 Oct. Chapter 13 Turn in papers and begin present.
WEEK # 12: 4 Nov. Chapter 11 Present papers
WEEK # 13: 11 Nov. Chapter 12 “
WEEK # 14: 18 Nov. Chapter 13 “
WEEK # 15: 25 Nov. Chapter 14 “
WEEK # 16: 2 Dec. Chapter 15 "
Final Exam as scheduled week of Dec.7- 11
Students should note that this is a projected schedule and is subject to change.
FALL SEMESTER 2009 CALENDAR
Last Update:
March 17, 2009
March 30 – April 17 Monday – Friday Early registration for continuing students
April 13-17 Monday – Friday Early registration for readmitted students
April 20 – August 3 Monday – Monday Open registration for continuing and readmitted students
June 17 Wednesday New Student Orientation, Group Advising and Registration
July 9 Thursday New Student Orientation, Group Advising and Registration
July 16 Thursday New Student Orientation, Group Advising and Registration
August 3 Monday Payment deadline for April 20 – August 3 open registration – 4:00 PM
August 4 – 14 Tuesday – Friday Open registration for continuing and readmitted students
August 5 Wednesday New Student Orientation, Group Advising and Registration
August 10 Monday Joint Faculty and Staff Meeting, Fine Arts Auditorium
August 12 Wednesday New Student Orientation, Group Advising and Registration
August 13, 14 Thursday – Friday Residence Hall students move in
August 14 Friday Payment deadline for August 4 – 14 Open Registration – 4:00 PM
August 17 Monday Classes begin
August 17 – 19 Monday – Wednesday Late Registration
August 17 – 19 Monday – Wednesday Drop-Add
August 19 Wednesday Last day to register for Regents’ Test
August 19 Wednesday Last day to get a refund for reduction of hours
August 19 Wednesday Payment deadline for Drop-Add and Late Registration – 6:00 PM
August 19 Wednesday classes begin
September 7 Monday Labor Day Holiday, College closed
September 2 Mid-Term Exam (Regular Class Period 6:00pm)
October 8 Thursday Midterm – Withdrawals after October 8 will be an automatic WF
except in cases of hardship as documented and approved by
processing a Student Petition
See or call the Registrar’s Office. You cannot withdraw online.
October 12, 13 Monday, Tuesday Fall break for faculty and students
October 14 Wednesday Georgia History and U.S. Constitution Exam
October 26, 27, 28 Mon, Tues, Wed Regents’ Testing Program
November 2 – 20 Monday – Friday Early registration for continuing students for Spring Semester 2010
November 4 All projects turn in- first presentation
November 16 – 20 Monday – Friday Early registration for readmitted students for Spring Semester 2010
November 19 Thursday New Student Orientation, Group Advising and Registration for Spring 2010
November 23 - Monday – Open registration for continuing and readmitted students for Spring December 18 Friday Semester 2010
November 24 Tuesday Evening Classes meet as scheduled
Residence Halls close at 4:00 PM for Thanksgiving ��
November 25 Wednesday Administrative offices are open 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
November 25 – 27 Wednesday – Friday Thanksgiving Holidays for Faculty and Students
November 26, 27 Thursday, Friday College is closed for Thanksgiving
November 29 Sunday Residence Halls reopen at 4:00 PM
December 7 Monday Regents’ Test results available
December 2 Monday Last day of classes
December 8 – 11 Tuesday – Friday Final examinations (Exam Schedule- no exceptions)
Book Buy-Back – Bookstore
December 11 Friday Residence Halls close at 4:00 PM for Christmas ��
December 21 – Monday – College closed for Christmas Holidays
January 3 Sunday
January 4 Monday Staff Report
January 6 Wednesday Faculty Report
�� Students who are not able to leave by 4:00 PM should contact Student Affairs for appropriate accommodations.
This calendar is subject to change if updates or adjustments are needed.
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