Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction to Criminal Investigations
- Section 1.1: Criminal Law [Learning Resources]
- Section 1.2: Evidence Law [Learning Resources]
- Section 1.3: Preliminary Investigations [Learning Resources]
- Section 1.4: The Investigator at the Crime Scene [Learning Resources]
- Section 1.5: Crime Scene Procedures [Learing Resources]
Section 2: Crime Scene Documentation
- Section 2.1: Crime Scene Photography [Learning Resources]
- Section 2.2: Sketching [Learing Resources]
- Section 2.3: Note Taking [Learing Resources]
- Section 2.4: The Case File [Learning Resources]
- Section 2.5: Conducting Searches [Learning Resources]
Section 3: Physical Evidence
- Section 3.1: Evidence Handling and Personal Safety [Learning Resources]
- Section 3.2: The Crime Lab [Learning Resources]
- Section 3.3: Blood and Bodily Fluid Evidence [Learing Resources]
- Section 3.4: DNA Evidence [Learing Resources]
- Section 3.5: Hair Evidence [Learning Resources]
Section 4: Trace Evidence
- Section 4.1: Fiber Evidence [Learning Resources]
- Section 4.2: Glass Evidence [Learing Resources]
- Section 4.3: Paint Evidence [Learing Resources]
- Section 4.4: Drug Evidence [Learing Resources]
- Section 4.5: Document and Voice Evidence [Learing Resources]
Section 5: Evidence Procedures
- Section 5.1: Packaging and Drying Wet Evidence [Learning Resources]
- Section 5.2: Item Specific Packaging Procedures [Learning Resources]
- Section 5.3: Packaging Trace Evidence [Learing Resources]
- Section 5.4: Firearms and Toolmarks [Learing Resources]
- Section 5.5: Impression Evidence [Learing Resources]
Section 6: Information from People
- Section 6.1: Interviews and Interrogations [Learing Resources]
- Section 6.2: Eyewitness Identification [Learning Resources]
- Section 6.3: Fingerprint Evidence [Learing Resources]
- Section 6.4: Surveillance [Learing Resources]
- Section 6.5: Report Writing and Testimony [Learing Resources]
Section 7: Crime-specific Investigations
- Section 7.1: Crimes Against Persons [Learning Resources]
- Section 7.2: Homicide [Learning Resources]
- Section 7.3: Crimes Against Property [Learning Resources]
- Section 7.4: Drugs [Learning Resources]
- Section 7.5: Electronic Evidence [Learning Resources]
When you have finished this course, you will be able to:
SLO 1: Define and explain fundamental criminal law concepts, including crime classifications, sources of law, and their application in investigations.
SLO 2: Identify and differentiate various types of evidence, understand the rules of evidence, and maintain the chain of custody to ensure evidence integrity.
SLO 3: Describe the steps and best practices in crime scene management, including initial response, evidence collection, and crime scene documentation.
SLO 4: Analyze the role and procedures of investigators at crime scenes, emphasizing the importance of thorough evidence collection, scene closure, and witness management.
SLO 5: Evaluate the methods and challenges in investigating crimes against persons, property crimes, drug-related offenses, and the role of digital evidence in modern investigations.
SLO 6: Discuss the significance of surveillance, interviews, and interrogations in criminal investigations, including ethical considerations and strategies for effective information gathering.
SLO 7: Explain the importance of accurate report writing and court testimony in the criminal justice process, including the preparation and presentation of evidence in legal proceedings.
SLO 8: Identify best practices for handling and packaging various types of physical evidence, including trace evidence, firearms, and biological materials, to preserve forensic value.
SLO 9: Assess the impact of emerging technologies and forensic science advancements, such as DNA analysis and digital forensics, on modern criminal investigations.
SLO 10: Discuss the importance of interagency cooperation, community involvement, and ethical considerations in enhancing the effectiveness of criminal investigations and ensuring justice.
Statement of Purpose
Welcome to Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation, an open educational resource (OER) textbook designed to offer a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for students. This freely available online textbook reflects modern principles and best practices in educational pedagogy while providing the unique advantage of immediate reader feedback to continuously refine and enhance the content.
Our purpose is to deliver a clear and accessible resource that equips students with a strong foundation in criminal investigation. By making this textbook freely available online, we ensure that learners from diverse backgrounds can access high-quality educational materials without financial barriers. This OER version also allows readers to actively participate in the improvement of the textbook by providing real-time feedback to the authors, fostering a collaborative and iterative learning experience.
Through the integration of real-life case studies, diverse perspectives, and current research, we strive to make the study of criminal investigation relevant and meaningful to students’ academic and professional lives. This open textbook encourages active learning, offering numerous opportunities for students to engage with the material through thought-provoking exercises, reflective activities, and application-based scenarios.
The benefits of the free online OER version are significant. It removes financial obstacles, making quality education accessible to all students. Additionally, the digital format allows readers to access the textbook anytime, anywhere, ensuring flexibility and convenience.
As authors, we are dedicated to continuous improvement, actively seeking and incorporating reader feedback to enhance the textbook’s content and pedagogical effectiveness. By providing an open platform for engagement and dialogue, we cultivate a community of learners who contribute to the ongoing development of Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation.
Modification History File Created: 05/02/2019 Last Modified: 08/13/2024
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This work is licensed under an Open Educational Resource-Quality Master Source (OER-QMS) License.
