Dr. Scott CRIJ 4332 Spring 2018

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CRIJ 4332

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS

Spring 2018

Class Meeting: Tyler Campus Rm BUS # 257, T/Th @ 0930-1050

Class Meeting: Longview Campus Rm #204, T/Th @ 0930-1050, Zoom Class

Professor: Dr. David Scott, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

Office: Bus #236

Telephone: 903.566.7414

E-mail: dscott@uttyler.edu

Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursdays: 0800-0900; 1300-1700 hours.

All others by appointment

PREREQUISITE: CRIJ 1301 and (CRIJ 2332 or CRIJ 4333)

COMMUNICATION: The best way to communicate with me is to contact via email at dscott@uttyler.edu

In the subject line type the class and section you are enrolled in and in the body of the email

write your question.

I will respond within 24 hours of your email of not sooner.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK(S):

Swanson, Charles R., Neil C. Chamelin, Leorand Territo, and Robert W. Taylor (2009).

Criminal Investigation (11th Ed.), New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill.

ISBN: 978-1-25-943499-0

Other Resources

This is a lecture and seminar discussion course; therefore, students should bring a notebook of

their choice for taking notes each scheduled lecture. Additionally, the following resources (and

resource limitations) should be noted:

• Periodic review of https://www.ncjrs.gov/, researching content relevant to (a) this course

and (b) one’s intended specialization within CJ, e.g., police, juvenile probation, etc.

• A major daily newspaper (e.g., Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The

Washington Post) or daily news service on the Internet (e.g., PointCast, MSNBC, CNN

On-line, NY Times On-line, USA Today On-line) from which the student shall extract

relevant criminal justice items for class discussion.

• The use of on-line dictionaries and so-called encyclopedias, e.g., Wikipedia, is strictly

forbidden in this course. Such sources are unreliable—often containing

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misinformation, error by omission and, occasionally, disinformation.

• Daily checking of Blackboard® for announcements. Although messages may not be

frequent, they are high priority when sent.

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Description: This is a blended courses, meaning that percentage of this course will be delivered face-to-face and

online using Canvas.

This course provides a study of scientific crime detection and more detailed discussion of

techniques for case management and documentation, the concept of proof, the impact of emergent

technology on the investigative process, interacting with victims and witnesses, and interviewing

suspects. Particular emphasis may be placed on the investigation of particular crimes; for example,

homicides, sex offenses, child abuse, hate crimes, etc. (as determined by the professor).

Objectives: 1. Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

2. Demonstrate an understanding of criminalistics and the legal aspects of criminal

investigation.

3. Perform a basic crime scene search and properly identify, document, and collect physical

evidence.

4. Successfully articulate an understanding of the relationship between field collection of

physical evidence and the examination of said evidence in the police crime lab.

5. Demonstrate the ability to properly interview reportees, witnesses, and victims; and to

properly write a thorough police offense report.

6. Successfully demonstrate a basic understanding of the investigation of several types of

crimes, including burglary, assault, aggravated assault sex offenses, child abuse, and

homicide.

7. Successfully articulate an understanding of the relationship between criminal

investigators and prosecutors; as well as an understanding of the investigator’s role as a

witness in a criminal trial.

Course Requirements and Evaluation Criteria

Communication. As a college educated criminal justice practitioner, you will be expected to

speak and write professionally, that is, have a highly developed vocabulary and make appropriate

word choices, use correct grammar when speaking and writing, and speak and write concisely and

accurately. As a professional, your reports will be examined by agency superiors, prosecution and

defense attorneys, judges and, under FOI, the media. Your oral communication skills will be

judged both within your agency and externally as you speak daily with professionals, conduct

interviews, testify in court, and are recorded by or quoted in the press. All written assignments

should be word-processed and subjected to thorough spelling and grammar checks. These

standards apply to your everyday speech, emails, etc. at all times.

Improving students’ oral and written communication skills is a University of Texas at Tyler

instructional objective, reinforced by each college, department, and program therein. Therefore,

it is an important objective of this course and every opportunity will be seized to accomplish this

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objective.

Each class member is expected to complete all assigned readings and demonstrate an increasing

ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate relevant information. Class members will be assigned

as discussion leaders relating to various topics and readings. Active and thoughtful participation

through informed comment and demonstration of leadership behavior through class discussion

shall constitute a major portion of one's course grade. Mere attendance does not constitute

participation.

This is what a UT Tyler Criminal Justice graduate is expected to do in the CJ workplace.

Career development will be an additional component of this class where possible.

CALCULATION OF GRADES:

Final grade determination will be made based upon the following scale: 90 plus average = “A”; 80

to 89 average = “B”; 70 to 79 average = “C”; 60 to 69 average = “D”: 59 and below average = “F”.

Students should neither depend on nor expect a “curve” or other statistical modification of this

grading system.

Note! An average of 89.999999999 is still a B. [Important]

OBJECTIVE GRADING METHODS, TEST INSTRUMENTS AND

ATTENDANCE:

Attendance Grades: Attendance is required for this course, and thus, will be included in the overall calculation of the

student’s final grade for the semester. For every three class meetings a student misses, the

student’s overall grade will drop 10%. [Important]

Essay Board Assignments: Each week there will be a Weekly Essay Board post [Important] in which each student is

expected answer a posted essay question (and properly cited) of quality, thought and between 150-

200 words (minimum) by the following Sunday night by midnight (CT). APA style will be adhered

to for each post.

Weekly Chapter Quizzes: Weekly quizzes will be assigned for each chapter reading and due at the end of each week by

midnight (CT) on Sunday. Each student will have 30 minutes to complete the quiz each week.

Please note that previous questions from early assigned readings will be asked periodically in

weekly quizzes! [Important] Again, no late work will be accepted.

Midterm and Final Examinations: The objective test instruments for this course will include a multiple choice, true false, and essays

for both the Mid-Term and the Final Exam. [Important]

The Midterm Examination [Important] will cover Chapters 1-5 and Chapter 8.

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The Final Examination will be administered on the last week of the semester. The Final

Examination will be comprehensive in nature. [Important]

Grading Break Down for the Course: The percent values of each toward the final course grade, as well as a point-based example of

grading computation, are shown as follows:

Weekly Essay Posts 20%

Weekly Chapter Quizzes 20%

Mid-Term Examination: 25%

Final Examination: 35 %

Total: 100%

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES:

The Professor reserves the right to offer extra credit opportunities. If the decision is made to offer

extra credit, the offer will be extended to the entire class. Likewise, in the event that extra credit

opportunities are offered, the Professor will present the extra credit paper, project, or other

assignment in written form, including clear and concise instructions and the due date(s) / times for

each. No extra credit papers, projects, or other assignments will be accepted after the due

date and time – No exceptions.

GRADING FEEDBACK:

Each assignment on Canvas, including the examinations, will be graded immediately after each

submission. The Discussion or Essay Posts will be graded 24-48 hours after the due date. If a

student has a question about an assignment please contact me via email. I will review your question

and respond back to you within a 24-hour period.

CRIJ 4332 Spring Semester 2018

Criminal Investigations Course Schedule

Week 1 January 14-21, 2018 Getting Started How to navigate through the course, Syllabus, and Course Schedule

Week 1 Introductions and Chapter 1 - The Evolution of Criminal Investigation and

Forensic Science

Read the Syllabus and Course Schedule

Read Chapter 1

Chapter 1 Learning Activity

Complete the Discussion Question

Take the Chapter 1 Quiz

All Assignments are due by midnight (CST) on Sunday January 21, 2018.

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Week 2 January 21-28, 2018 Week 2 Chapter 2 - Legal Aspects of Investigation

Read Chapter 2

Chapter 2 Learning Activity

Complete the Discussion Question

Take the Chapter 2 Quiz

All Assignments are due by midnight (CST) on Sunday January 28, 2018.

Week 3 January 28-February 4, 2018 Week 3 Chapter 3 - Investigators, the Investigative Process, and the Crime Scene

Read Chapter 3

Chapter 3 Learning Activity

Complete the Discussion Question

Take the Chapter 3 Quiz

All Assignments are due by midnight (CST) on Sunday February 4, 2018.

Week 4 February 4-11, 2018 Week 4 Chapter 4 - Physical Evidence

Read Chapter 4

Chapter 4 Learning Activity

Complete the Discussion Question

Take the Chapter 4 Quiz

All Assignments are due by midnight (CST) on Sunday February 11, 2018.

Week 5 February 11-18, 2018 Week 5 Chapter 5 - Interviewing and Interrogation

Read Chapter 5

Chapter 5 Learning Activity

Complete the Discussion Question

Take the Chapter 5 Quiz

All Assignments are due by midnight (CST) on Sunday February 18, 2018.

Week 6 February 18-25, 2018 Week 6 Chapter 8 - The Crime Laboratory

Read Chapter 8

Chapter 8 Learning Activity

Complete the Discussion Question

Take the Chapter 8 Quiz

All Assignments are due by midnight (CST) on Sunday February 25, 2018.

Week 7 February 25-March 4, 2018 Week 7 Chapter 9 - Injury and Death Investigations

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Read Chapter 9

Chapter 9 Learning Activity

Complete the Discussion Question

Take the Chapter 9 Quiz

All Assignments are due by midnight (CST) on Sunday March 4, 2018.

Week 8 March 4-11, 2018 Week 8 Chapter 10 - Sex-Related Offenses/Midterm Examination

Read Chapter 10

Chapter 10 Learning Activity

Complete the Discussion Question

Take the Chapter 10 Quiz

Complete the Midterm Examination

All Assignments and the Midterm are due by midnight (CST) on Sunday March 11, 2018.

Week 9 March 11-18, 2018 “Spring Break” No Class or Assignments This Week

Week 9 Spring Break- No Classes

Week 10 March 18-25, 2018 Week 10 Chapter 12 - Human Trafficking

Read Chapter 12

Chapter 12 Learning Activity

Complete the Discussion Question

Take the Chapter 12 Quiz

All Assignments are due by midnight (CST) on Sunday March 25, 2018.

Week 11 March 25-April 1, 2018 Week 11 Chapter 14 - Burglary

Read Chapter 14

Chapter 14 Learning Activity

Complete the Discussion Question

Take the Chapter 14 Quiz

All Assignments are due by midnight (CST) on Sunday April 1, 2018.

Week 12 April 1-8, 2018 Week 12 Chapter 17 - Cyber Crime

Read Chapter 17

Chapter 17 Learning Activity

Complete the Discussion Question

Take the Chapter 17 Quiz

All Assignments are due by midnight (CST) on Sunday April 8, 2018.

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Week 13 April 8-15, 2018 Week 13 Chapter 21 - Terrorism

Read Chapter 21

Chapter 21 Learning Activity

Complete the Discussion Question

Take the Chapter 21 Quiz

All Assignments are due by midnight (CST) on Sunday April 15, 2018.

Week 14 April 15-22, 2018 Week 14 Chapter 15 - Larceny Theft and White-Collar Crime

Read Chapter 15

Chapter 15 Learning Activity

Complete the Discussion Question

Take the Chapter 15 Quiz

All Assignments are due by midnight (CST) on Sunday April 22, 2018.

Week 15 April 22-29, 2018 Week 15 Chapter 11 - Crimes Against Children

Read Chapter 11

Chapter 11 Learning Activity

Complete the Discussion Question

Take the Chapter 11 Quiz

All Assignments are due by midnight (CST) on Sunday

Week 16 April 29-May 3, 2018 Week 16 Final Examination (Comprehensive)

Complete the final examination

The Final Examination is to be completed by midnight (CST) no later than Thursday May

3, 2018.

Academic Policies

Make-up Tests: The University Catalog (2006-2008, pp. 36-37) does not establish make-ups

as a student right. Major tests are forecasted; therefore, no make-up opportunities are

contemplated. Opportunities to make-up missed examinations will be provided under conditions

determined to be dire circumstances and must be documented (e.g., hospital records, obituaries).

Make-up examinations may be in forms completely different from original examinations and will

be scheduled at the convenience of the instructor.

Deadlines: Deadlines are absolute. Assignments not delivered to the instructor at class time on

the designated date will earn the grade of F. As in the work environment employees must report

to the Director on time or risk termination. Students must anticipate technological failures and

plan accordingly. Pretest any equipment that may be required for presentation, handouts, etc.

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Grade of Incomplete: The grade of Incomplete (I) may be granted only to students who,

under extenuating circumstances, are unable to complete all course requirements by the end of the

term in which the course is presented (see University Catalog, 2006-2008, p. 34). A formal

application to the instructor is required. The term “extenuating circumstances” implies prolonged

adverse situations totally beyond the student’s control. Poor academic performance or

incomplete assignments do not constitute “extenuating circumstances.”

Attendance: If a class member incurs excessive absences in a course, (more than 2) his or her

grade may be lowered or he or she may receive an “F” in the course (Cf.: University Catalog,

2006-2008, p. 36). As in the workplace, professional demeanor dictates prior notification of an

impending absence. Prior notification, however, does not excuse the absence. A significant

requirement for this class includes leadership by students hence attendance will be required..

Tardiness is not professionally acceptable [Important]. An employee may be excused

once for coming late to a Director’s meeting but twice merits disapproval from the Director and a

poor employee evaluation. It is the sole responsibility of the student missing a class to secure

(from a competent and committed classmate) copies of all handouts and pertinent notes from that

day.

Cellular Phones and Pagers: Cellular telephones and other audible paging devices must be

muted while class is in progress and telephones and never visible.

“TURN THEM OFF!” [Important]

Laptop Computers and Voice Recorders: Students who are competent typists may use

laptop computers to take class notes or otherwise manage information related to this course only.

Laptop speakers shall remain muted; otherwise sounds will be treated as ringer cell phones. If

another student(s) objects because of computer screen distraction, the laptop user must either

cease operation of the unit or move to the rearmost classroom seat available.

UT Tyler Honor Code Every member of the UT Tyler community joins together to embrace: Honor and

integrity that will not allow me to lie, cheat, or steal, nor to accept the actions of those

who do.

Students Rights and Responsibilities To know and understand the policies that affect your rights and responsibilities as a

student at UT Tyler, please follow this link:

http://www.uttyler.edu/wellness/rightsresponsibilities.php

Campus Carry We respect the right and privacy of students 21 and over who are duly licensed to carry

concealed weapons in this class. License holders are expected to behave responsibly and

keep a handgun secure and concealed. More information is available at

http://www.uttyler.edu/about/campus-carry/index.php

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UT Tyler a Tobacco-Free University All forms of tobacco will not be permitted on the UT Tyler main campus, branch

campuses, and any property owned by UT Tyler. This applies to all members of the

University community, including students, faculty, staff, University affiliates,

contractors, and visitors. Forms of tobacco not permitted include cigarettes, cigars, pipes,

water pipes (hookah), bidis, kreteks, electronic cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff,

chewing tobacco, and all other tobacco products.

There are several cessation programs available to students looking to quit smoking,

including counseling, quitlines, and group support. For more information on cessation

programs please visit www.uttyler.edu/tobacco-free.

Grade Replacement/Forgiveness and Census Date Policies Students repeating a course for grade forgiveness (grade replacement) must file a Grade

Replacement Contract with the Enrollment Services Center (ADM 230) on or before the

Census Date of the semester in which the course will be repeated. (For Fall, the Census

Date is Sept. 12.) Grade Replacement Contracts are available in the Enrollment Services

Center or at http://www.uttyler.edu/registrar. Each semester’s Census Date can be found

on the Contract itself, on the Academic Calendar, or in the information pamphlets

published each semester by the Office of the Registrar.

Failure to file a Grade Replacement Contract will result in both the original and

repeated grade being used to calculate your overall grade point average. [Important]

Undergraduates are eligible to exercise grade replacement for only three course repeats

during their career at UT Tyler; graduates are eligible for two grade replacements. Full

policy details are printed on each Grade Replacement Contract.

The Census Date (Sept. 12th) [Important] is the deadline for many forms and

enrollment actions of which students need to be aware.

These include:

Submitting Grade Replacement Contracts, Transient Forms, requests to withhold

directory information, approvals for taking courses as Audit, Pass/Fail or

Credit/No Credit.

Receiving 100% refunds for partial withdrawals. (There is no refund for these

after the Census Date)

Schedule adjustments (section changes, adding a new class, dropping without a

“W” grade)

Being reinstated or re-enrolled in classes after being dropped for non-payment

Completing the process for tuition exemptions or waivers through Financial Aid

State-Mandated Course Drop Policy Texas law prohibits a student who began college for the first time in Fall 2007 or

thereafter from dropping more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career.

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This includes courses dropped at another 2-year or 4-year Texas public college or

university. For purposes of this rule, a dropped course is any course that is dropped after

the census date (See Academic Calendar for the specific date).

Exceptions to the 6-drop rule may be found in the catalog. Petitions for exemptions must

be submitted to the Enrollment Services Center and must be accompanied by

documentation of the extenuating circumstance. Please contact the Enrollment Services

Center if you have any questions.

Student Accessibility and Resources In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities

Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) the University offers

accommodations to students with learning, physical and/or psychiatric disabilities. If you

have a disability, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning

disabilities, head injury, PTSD or ADHD, or you have a history of modifications or

accommodations in a previous educational environment you are encouraged to contact

the Student Accessibility and Resources (SAR) office and schedule an interview with the

Accessibility Case Manager/ADA Coordinator, Cynthia Lowery Staples. If you are

unsure if the above criteria applies to you, but have questions or concerns please contact

the SAR office. For more information or to set up an appointment please visit the SAR

office located in the University Center, Room 3150 or call 903.566.7079. You may also

send an email to cstaples@uttyler.edu

Student Absence due to Religious Observance Students who anticipate being absent from class due to a religious observance are

requested to inform the instructor of such absences by the second class meeting of the

semester. Revised 09/16

Student Absence for University-Sponsored Events and Activities If you intend to be absent for a university-sponsored event or activity, you (or the event

sponsor) must notify the instructor at least two weeks prior to the date of the planned

absence. At that time the instructor will set a date and time when make-up assignments

will be completed.

Social Security and FERPA Statement It is the policy of The University of Texas at Tyler to protect the confidential nature of

social security numbers. The University has changed its computer programming so that

all students have an identification number. The electronic transmission of grades (e.g., via

e-mail) risks violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act; grades will not

be transmitted electronically.

Emergency Exits and Evacuation Everyone is required to exit the building when a fire alarm goes off. Follow your

instructor’s directions regarding the appropriate exit. If you require assistance during an

evacuation, inform your instructor in the first week of class. Do not re-enter the building

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unless given permission by University Police, Fire department, or Fire Prevention

Services.

Student Standards of Academic Conduct Disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against any student who engages in scholastic

dishonesty, including, but not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission

for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another

person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair

advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts.

i. “Cheating” includes, but is not limited to:

copying from another student’s test paper;

using, during a test, materials not authorized by the person giving the test;

failure to comply with instructions given by the person administering the test;

possession during a test of materials which are not authorized by the person

giving the test, such as class notes or specifically designed “crib notes”. The

presence of textbooks constitutes a violation if they have been specifically

prohibited by the person administering the test;

using, buying, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents

of an unadministered test, test key, homework solution, or computer program;

collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test or other

assignment without authority;

discussing the contents of an examination with another student who will take

the examination;

divulging the contents of an examination, for the purpose of preserving

questions for use by another, when the instructors has designated that the

examination is not to be removed from the examination room or not to be

returned or to be kept by the student;

substituting for another person, or permitting another person to substitute for

oneself to take a course, a test, or any course-related assignment;

paying or offering money or other valuable thing to, or coercing another

person to obtain an unadministered test, test key, homework solution, or

computer program or information about an unadministered test, test key, home

solution or computer program;

falsifying research data, laboratory reports, and/or other academic work

offered for credit;

taking, keeping, misplacing, or damaging the property of The University of

Texas at Tyler, or of another, if the student knows or reasonably should know

that an unfair academic advantage would be gained by such conduct; and

misrepresenting facts, including providing false grades or resumes, for the

purpose of obtaining an academic or financial benefit or injuring another

student academically or financially.

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ii. “Plagiarism” includes, but is not limited to, the appropriation, buying, receiving as a

gift, or obtaining by any means another’s work and the submission of it as one’s own

academic work offered for credit.

iii. “Collusion” includes, but is not limited to, the unauthorized collaboration

with another person in preparing academic assignments offered for credit or

collaboration with another person to commit a violation of any section of the rules

on scholastic dishonesty.

iv. All written work that is submitted will be subject to review by SafeAssignTM,

available on Blackboard.

UT Tyler Resources for Students

UT Tyler Writing Center (903.565.5995), writingcenter@uttyler.edu

UT Tyler Tutoring Center (903.565.5964), tutoring@uttyler.edu

The Mathematics Learning Center, RBN 4021, this is the open access computer

lab for math students, with tutors on duty to assist students who are enrolled in

early-career courses.

UT Tyler Counseling Center (903.566.7254)