Dr. Scott
CRIJ 4332
Spring 2017
CRIJ 4332
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Spring 2017
Class Meeting Days and Time: T/Th 0930-1050
Class Meeting Room BUS #
Professor: Dr. David Scott, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Office: Bus #236
Telephone: (903) 566-7414
E-mail:
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursdays: 0800-0900; 1300-1700 hours.
All others by appointment
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK(S):
PLEASE NOTE! You will be using the Connect by McGraw Hill. The text and assignments will be from this site.
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 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 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 course provides a study of scientific crime detection and
more detailed discussion of techniques for case management and docu-
mentation, 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 investi-
gation of particular crimes; for example, homicides, sex offenses, child
abuse, hate crimes, etc. (as determined by the professor).
Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of criminalistics and the legal aspects of
criminal investigation.
2. Perform a basic crime scene search and properly identify, document, and
collect physical evidence.
3. Successfully articulate an understanding of the relationship between field
collection of physical evidence and the examination of said evidence in
the police crime lab.
4. Demonstrate the ability to properly interview reportees, witnesses, and
victims; and to properly write a thorough police offense report.
5. Successfully demonstrate a basic understanding of the investigation of
several types of crimes, including burglary, assault, aggravated assault,
sex offenses, child abuse, and homicide.
6. 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 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.
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%.
Essay Board Assignments:
Each week there will be a Weekly Essay Board post 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. 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.
The Midterm Examination will cover Chapters 1-5 and Chapter 8.
The Final Examination will be administered on the last week of the semester. The Final Examination will be comprehensive in nature.
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:
Attendance 10%
Weekly Essay Posts 10%
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.
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.
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. 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!”
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
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 Spring, the Census Date is January 30, 2017.) 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. 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.
Note:
The Census Date January 30, 2017 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. 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