Criminal Investigation I

Assignments
(Due on the week stated - Week 1 is the first day of class)

WEEK NUMBER READINGS AND ASSIGNMENTS

1 Overview of Course, Preliminary Investigation, RESPOND, Follow-up, Crime-Scene Checklist, Hazards at the Crime Scene
Assignment: Read Pages 1-48, 239

                2                                             Overview of Property Crimes/Crimes Against                                                                                                        Persons, Investigating Property Crimes and Persons                                                                                                                      Crimes, Review Criminal Law Doctrine to include
                                                                pages 22-25 in the text. (DOJ: VI-B5)
                                                                Assignment: Read Pages 49-59

                3                                             Processing a Crime Scene, Sketching and                                                                                                              Photographing Crime Scenes, Searching for                                                                                                                                  Evidence, Collecting Evidence, Releasing the Crime
                                                                Scene. (DOJ: VI-B1, VI-B2, VI-B3, VI-B4)
                                                               Assignment: Read Pages 60-89, 232-233, 229-231, 242-243

Print off... Evidence Collection and Documentation Worksheet (above)
Complete the Search and Seizure Worksheet (above)

VI-B1     Analyze the importance of evidence in criminal investigations –

a. Articulate the principles of evidence collection

b. Apply the rules of evidence.
c. Describe the various types of physical evidence

VI-B3     Handle evidentiary items –

               a.   Explain the collection and preservation process of evidentiary items.

               b.   Explain the chain of custody.

               c.   Demonstrate a crime scene search during simulation.
               d.   Demonstrate handling and packaging evidentiary items.

Homework:

1. Bring five evidence items to class, packaged, as required by the
                        Physical Evidence Handbook, Chapter 2.
                        2. Complete a property receipt for the evidence that you packaged
                        3. Complete a Evidence Transmittal form.
                        4. Package at least one item for transfer (by mail) to the Wisconsin Crime
                        Lab. (HINT: Evidence transmittal form in an envelope, taped to the outside
                        of box.)

Class Learning Activities:
                        1. Review packaging of evidence
                        2. Complete property receipts and Transmittal of Evidence Forms (see
                            actual examples of property receipts)
                        3. Go over homework (evidence packaging)
                        4. Package using heat sealer and evidence tags
                        5. Review the checklist on pages 11-13 in the Evidence Text
                        6. Process a mock crime scene (gather and document evidence)

                4                                             Death Investigations, DNA Evidence, Interview and                                                                                              Interrogation, Eye Witness Identifications,
                                                                Interrogation, (DOJ: VI-B6)
                                                                Assignment: Review Pages 77-88, Read 91-95 and 216-219, 220-221

Homework:

                        1. Set up a mock crime scene and photograph (bring in photos)
                        2. Draw a rough sketch (measure)
                        2. Prepare a finished SCALED drawing

Class Learning Activities:

            1. Go over homework assignments - Each student will post his/her
                        assignment on a wall in the class
                        2. Discuss the benefits of photos, sketches, etc...
                        3. Discuss the legal requirements of a crime scene search
                        4. Conduct searches:
                             a. Person
                             b. Vehicle
                             c. House

                5                                             Interviewing Witness and Victims (DOJ: VI-C3,
                                                                VI-C1, VI-C2)
                                                                Assignment: Review Pages 96-134, 227-228, 234, 244

Class Learning Activities:

            1. Review pages 96-134 in the text. Bring in a Property Crime article:                         Theft, Motor Vehicle Theft, Entry into Locked Vehicle, CDTP, Retail
                        Theft, Graffiti, Arson, Trespass, Burglary, Criminal Trespass to Dwelling,
                         or Robbery.
                        2. Using RESPOND model, discuss (in groups) the steps a police officer
                            needs to take to investigate the theft article you brought in.
                        3. Present your checklist to the class.
                        4. Set up a mock crime scene based on your group's article previously
                             discussed.
                        5. Investigate a mock property crime scene.
                        6. Write a report.

6 Law Enforcement Response to Domestic Violence (DOJ: VI-D1, VI-D2)
Assignment: Exam Review

Identifying Suspects and Testifying in Court

Class Learning Activities:

VI-B2 Process a crime scene –

a. Explain the steps within the RESPOND model as relating to a criminal investigation.

b. Demonstrate management of a crime scene in a simulated environment.

7 midterm exam

8 TASK WEEK

Assignment: Read Pages 135-159, 222-223, 240- 241 for Week 9

9 Sexual Assault Investigations (DOJ: VI-E1, VI-E2, VI- E3)
Assignment: Read Pages 161-196 and 224-226, 235-237, 238

Class Learning Activities:

VI-C1 Assist a crime victim –

a. Define victimization.

b. Explain the various reactions and injuries from victimization.

c. Explain an officer's initial response in contacting crime victims.

d. Assess the medical and safety needs.

e. Demonstrate a professional response when assisting crime victims (professional
communication, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, empathy, respect, dignity).

VI-C2 Apply the Wisconsin Statutes (Chap. 950) to victims and witnesses of a crime –

a. Explain rights of victims and witnesses of crime.

b. Identify process and remedies for violation of victim rights.

c. Demonstrate appropriate law enforcement response in simulated exercise.

VI-B2 Process a crime scene –

a. Explain the steps within the RESPOND model as relating to a criminal investigation.
b. Demonstrate management of a crime scene in a simulated environment.

10 Investigating Crimes Against Children

11 Investigating Crimes

Student Led Investigations: Theft, CDTP, Retail Theft

Groups 1, 2, and 3 Investigate

Groups 4, 5, and 6 Role Play – BRING EVIDENCE!

12 Investigating Crimes

Student Led Investigations: Theft, CDTP, Retail Theft

Groups 4, 5, and 6 Investigate

Groups 1, 2, and 3 Role Play – BRING EVIDENCE!

13 Investigating Crimes

Student Led Investigations: Battery and Domestic Abuse

Groups 1, 2, and 3 Investigate

Groups 4, 5, and 6 Role Play – BRING EVIDENCE!

14 Investigating Crimes

Student Led Investigations: Battery and Domestic Abuse

Groups 4, 5, and 6 Investigate

Groups 1, 2, and 3 Role Play – BRING EVIDENCE!

15 Review for final

16 TASK

17 final exam

Week 9 Crimes Against Persons (Battery, Stalking, False imprisonment, Reckless
Injury, etc...) Scenarios and quiz

Class Learning Activities:

VI-B2 Process a crime scene –

a. Explain the steps within the RESPOND model as relating to a criminal investigation.

b. Demonstrate management of a crime scene in a simulated environment.

Week 10          Death Investigations and QUIZ

                        HOMEWORK:

                        PAGES 60-71,  242
                        1. Read Page 26... to the end of the Evidence Text
                        2. Student Project One Due

                        Bring your duty belt (no real weapons or ammunition) to class for the
                        scenarios

                        Class Learning Activities:

VI-B4 Document a crime scene –

a. Explain the different processes to document (videotape, photos, sketches, diagrams, report, etc)

b. Prepare a written police report of observations and actions during a simulated crime scene.

VI-B5 Outline the unique investigative issues for crimes against life –

a. Describe the factors required to determine whether a crime was committed (where is victim, is death accidental, natural causes, or intentional).

b. Describe the unique physical evidence in crimes against life (victim as physical evidence, method, means, manner).

c. Describe the appropriate procedures for death investigation (the roles of law enforcement, coroner, scene management and release, autopsy, death notification).

VI-B6 Investigate a death –

a. Conduct an investigation of a simulated death scene to determine whether a crime was committed.

b. Properly identify, collect, and preserve evidence from a simulated crime scene involving a death.

Week 11 PAGES 72-90 Interview and Interrogations and Identifying suspects

                        Bring your duty belt (no real weapons or ammunition) to class for the
                        scenarios
                        Class Learning Activities:

VI-C3 Interview a victim, child and adult –

a. Identify issues of victimization as applicable to the interview.

b. Demonstrate ability to interview a variety of victims in simulated exercise (Alzheimer, children, developmentally challenged, different ethnicity then officer).

Week 12          PAGES 91-134, 216-234, 244        Victims and Domestic Violence
                        Bring in a newspaper article or other documentation regarding an actual
                        battery, or battery related offense that specifically falls under Wisconsin's
                        domestic abuse statute (can be from another state)
                       Read the Domestic Violence Text
                        Bring your duty belt (no real weapons or ammunition) to class for the
                        scenarios

Student Project Two Due

Class Learning Activities:

VI-D1 Respond to a domestic disturbance –

a. Understand the concept of domestic abuse and the role of law enforcement.

b. Define domestic abuse and the elements requiring arrest (968.075).

c. Describe the dynamics of domestic violence.

d. Explain the unique offender/victim relationship. (Include information on elder
abuse, implications for child abuse, and same sex relationships.)

e. Describe the power differential in the offender/victim relationship and its effect.
(Include information on police officer domestic abuse and on recantation.)

f. Intervene and apply appropriate investigative strategies.

g. Manage family crisis.

h. Contact and interview everyone present.

i. Articulate mandatory arrest.

j. Define primary physical aggressor. (Include information on strangulation and self-
defense.)

k. Explain procedures and notification from a DV arrest (72-hour no contact,
restraining orders, no contact order, full faith and credit).

l. Assess risk for victim.

m. Identify related crimes (harassment, stalking).

n. Identify multidisciplinary resources available to assist law enforcement (e.g.
advocates, trauma response, etc.)

VI-B4 Document a crime scene –

a. Explain the different processes to document (videotape, photos, sketches, diagrams, report, etc)

b. Prepare a written police report of observations and actions during a simulated crime scene.

Week 13       PAGES 135-160, 240          Sex Offenses (See Chapter 940 in WI Statutes)
                        Sex Offense Investigation
                        Bring in a newspaper article or other documentation regarding an actual
                        sexual assault (1st through 4th degree)
                       Read the Sexual Assault Text

Bring your duty belt (no real weapons or ammunition) to class for the
scenarios

Class Learning Activities:

VI-D2 Respond to a sexual assault –

a . Understand the concept of sexual abuse and the role of law enforcement.

b. Define sexual abuse and the elements requiring arrest (940.225).

c. Describe unique dynamics of sensitive crime victimization. (Include date rape and
statutory rape situations, other victim/offender relationships.)

d. Demonstrate investigative techniques in a simulated sexual assault case.

e. Identify the unique obstacles to interviewing a sexual assault victim (includes

victimization issues as well as rape drugs or AODA issues).

f. Demonstrate appropriate interviewing techniques for sexual assault victims.

g. Identify what physical evidence should be collected and what limitations exist on
physical evidence collection.

h. Explain the implementation of the forensic medical exam and the proper use of the
sexual assault evidence kit (for victims and suspects).

i. Describe importance of collaborative statements.

               j.    Identify other resources that can assist in sexual assault cases (e.g., Probation and
                     Parole, Registered Sex Offender database, Behavioral Unit FBI, SANE nurses, Rape
                     Crisis centers)

VI-B4 Document a crime scene –

a. Explain the different processes to document (videotape, photos, sketches, diagrams, report, etc)

b. Prepare a written police report of observations and actions during a simulated crime scene.

Week 14          Specific Crime Review, Scenario/Task and QUIZ: Sexual Assault
                        Bring your duty belt (no real weapons or ammunition) to class for the
                        scenarios

                        Class Learning Activities:

VI-B4 Document a crime scene –

a. Explain the different processes to document (videotape, photos, sketches, diagrams, report, etc)

b. Prepare a written police report of observations and actions during a simulated crime scene.

Week 15          PAGES 161-196, 235-238      Crimes Against Children (Chapter 948 and 48)
                        Bring in a newspaper article or other documentation regarding an actual
                        crime against a child such as physical abuse, sexual assault, neglect,...
                        Read the Child Abuse Text


                        Bring your duty belt (no real weapons or ammunition) to class for the
                        scenarios

Class Learning Activities:

VI-B4 Document a crime scene –

a. Explain the different processes to document (videotape, photos, sketches, diagrams, report, etc)

b. Prepare a written police report of observations and actions during a simulated crime scene.

Week 16 Courtroom Testimony: Presenting Oral and Physical Evidence

Review:
Identifying Suspects and Testifying in Court

VI-A4     Analyze information for consideration as evidence -
               a.   Evaluate credibility and validity of statements against physical evidence and other
                     statements.

b. Apply testimonial evidence to criminal elements.

c. Describe major indicators of non-verbal communication

d. Define paralinguistics and explain examples

                        Bring your duty belt (no real weapons or ammunition) to class for the
                        scenarios


                       Class Learning Activities:

                Mock court and EXAM REVIEW

Week 17          Exam (Cumulative exam: Web page resources, classroom, and
                        Student Text) Good Luck!

Week 18          TASK Course

                          See Instructor if you have any questions!

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
               THEORY I
       Student Resource Web Page
             Instructor: Mr. Bessette

(Back to Home Page)

Administrative Documents

Syllabus

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION THEORY I Student Resource Web Page Instructor: Mr. Bessette

(Back to Home Page)

Administrative Documents

Syllabus

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
THEORY I
Student Resource Web Page
Instructor: Mr. Bessette