Fall 2014 - Texas A&M University Central Texas

Fall 2014 - Texas A&M University Central Texas

CJK425-110Advanced Investigation

Course Meeting Online

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Instructor:Gerald Piechocki

Office:Online (No office on campus)

Contact:Blackboard messages (preferred method of contact)

Email: - Always use the course (CJK425) in the subject line and include your name in the email.

UNILERT is an emergency notification service that gives Texas A&M University-Central Texas the ability to communicate health and safety emergency information quickly via email and text message. By enrolling in UNILERT, university officials can quickly pass on safety related information, regardless of your location. Please enroll today at TAMUCT.edu/UNILERT

1.0COURSE INFORMATION:

1.1Course Description

"Advanced criminal and civil investigation topics will be covered. An examination of frequently used, yet special investigative techniques will also be introduced. Emphasis will be placed on crime scene processing, crime scene analysis, forensic evaluations, investigative techniques, and investigative surveys."

1.2 Prerequisites

CJ235 Criminal Investigation

1.3Course Format and Method of Instruction

This course is 100% online and delivered via Blackboard Online Learning. Log in at It is essential that you know how to use the Internet, email, electronic discussion boards, and check the course website on a regular basis.

This course is presented in 16 weekly modules. Each module begins on Monday and ends the following Sunday. Each module contains learning objectives and all necessary resources (reading assignment, mediated instruction, student interaction, application) to permit you to achieve the objectives. Each student is required to complete the assigned readings on their own. Interaction takes place through asynchronous online threaded discussions and email.Assessment, is accomplished through graded discussions, written assignments and tests. Assessments are described in greater detail under Course Requirements below. Keeping up-to-date is crucial to each student doing will in this course.

2.0COURSE OBJECTIVES

2.1 Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate an understanding of the duties and responsibilities of the investigator.

Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of physical evidence.

Demonstrate an understanding of acceptable techniques involving crime scene processing.

Demonstrate knowledge of crime scene documentation and reconstruction.

Demonstrate knowledge of important legal decisions affecting crime scene activities.

3.0 REQUIRED TEXT(S)

Ross M. Gardner, Practical Crime Scene Processing and Investigation, 2nd Ed., 2012, Taylor & Francis (CRC Press, Inc), (ISBN: 978-1-4398-5302-3)

You are under no obligation to purchase this book form the campus bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer. Not having the required text is no excuse for not completing requirements or for late submissions. For those students receiving financial assistance, a book voucher is available as part of any short term loans.

4.0 COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Detailed weekly requirements are contained and specified in weekly folders accessed through the Weekly Module link on the Course Menu in Blackboard. Required course elements include the following:

4.1 Course Orientation and Quiz (10 points)

There is a mandatory course orientation that must be completed the first week of the semester. This beginning activity is very important and designed to familiarize you with the course requirements and expectations as well as introduce you to the rest of the class. It focuses your attention on how the course will be delivered and important course policies; providing a preview of course expectations and what is to come. The Course Orientation can be found in the Week 1 Module. You must receive 100% on the orientation quiz to complete the orientation. You have unlimited opportunities to successfully complete the orientation quiz.

4.2 Announcements (Home Page)

Announcements will be used as the course home page and is the first area you will see when entering the course. A new weekly announcement will be posted every Monday with information for week ahead. Announcements will also be used to update you on any changes in the schedule, due dates, etc., as we move through the semester. Therefore, it is important for you to check the Announcements page on a regular basis (at least two or three times a week).

4.3 Reading Assignments

Reading assignments can be found in the course schedule and again in each weekly folder. You must complete the assigned weekly readings to be fully prepared for the remaining weekly requirements. Begin by reviewing the learning objectives and chapter contents. Read the chapter carefully, going over each section for its central thought. Take some notes by paraphrasing in your own words what the author has conveyed. Think about what you read and answer the review questions at the end of each chapter. This is the key to understanding the material presented and preparing for the midterm and final exam.

4.4 Question Sets (110 points)

Each week you are expected to respond to two sets of questions. These are designed to further develop your understanding of the topics and/or issues under study by engaging in a meaningful exchange with others in the class. Specific instructions will be provided with each question set.

With each set of questions, you are responsible for making an initial response by 11:59 p.m. Thursday addressing all questions and then following-up with at least one substantive response to two other student's initial responses by 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

There will be a total of 26 question sets. Question sets are graded on a point system associated with the quality/acceptability of the responses submitted. Each question set is worth 5 points. Late postings will not be awarded credit. This means there are no valid excuses for missing the posting deadlines. In order to accommodate unanticipated events such as illness, work schedule conflicts, etc., the four lowest question set scores will be dropped.

0-2 points / Incomplete/Unacceptable / Does not meet requirement
3 points / Satisfactory/Weak / Lacks detail/specifics
4 points / Good / Demonstrates understanding
5 points / Very Good / Well expressed/exceeds requirement

4.5 Exams (80 points)

There will be two exams, a midterm and a final. Each exam will cover material from the assigned readings and will consist of True/False, multiple choice, matching and/or short answer questions. Each exam will be timed, closed book and taken on the scheduled dates. The final will cover only the material covered since the midterm. A make-up exam will only be permitted for preapproved university or military absences with documentation or for emergencies within 24 hours of the exam period with documentation.

5.0 GRADING

5.1 Calculations and Point Posting

A rubric is provided to evaluate and help clarify your performance on question sets. The Gradebook in Blackboard will be used to post points together with a running total of all assigned requirements. Question set points will normally be posted within one week of the due date. Monitor your status through this tool.

The following chart reflects the individual requirements and total possible points.

ACTIVITY / POINTS
Orientation / 10
Question Sets / 110
Midterm / 40
Final / 40
Total / 200

5.2 Point Score Appeals

Disputes regarding points posted for course requirements must be submitted through the message function in Blackboard specifically describing what you believe the disagreement to be. I will respond by return message. All appeals must be received no later than one week after the score has been posted in Blackboard. After one week, no appeals will be considered.

5.3 Semester Grades

My grading philosophy includes both student performance and percentages in assigning course grades. Your overall performance (final course grade) will be based on 90%, 80%, etc. of the highest student point total rather than total possible points. Using this criteria, if the highest student point total was 188, the cutoff for an "A" would be 169 (90%of 188) instead of 180 (90% of 200).

6.0 Course Schedule

Week/
Dates / Topics / Activities/Assignments Due
Week 1
25-31 Aug / - Course Orientation (syllabus, content, requirements, expectations and self-introductions)
- Ch1, Introduction / 1. Course Orientation
2. Orientation Quiz
3. Read Chapter 1
4. Ch 1 Questions Set (Practice/Rubric)
Week 2
1-7 Sep / Ch 2, Understanding the Nature of Physical Evidence / Read Chapter 2
Question Sets
Week 3
8-14 Set / Ch 3, Actions of the Initial Responding Officer / Read Chapter 3
Question Sets
Week 4
15-21 Sep / Ch4, Processing Methodology / Read Chapter 4
Question Sets
Week 5
22-28 Sep / Ch 5, Assessing the Scene / Read Chapter 5
Question Sets
Week 6
29 Sep - 5 Oct / Ch 6, Crime Scene Photography / Read Chapter 6
Question Sets
Week 7
6-12 Oct / Ch 7, Crime Scene Sketching and Mapping / Read Chapter 7
Question Sets
Week 8
13-19 Oct / Midterm Exam (Chapters 1-7) / Midterm Exam (15-17 Oct)
Week 9
20-26 Oct / Ch 8, Narrative Descriptions: Crime Scene Notes and Reports / Read Chapter 8
Question Sets
Week 10
27 Oct - 2 Nov / Ch 9, Basic Skills for Scene Processing / Read Chapter 9
Question Sets
Week 11
3-9 Nov / Ch 10, Shooting Scene Documentation and Reconstruction / Read Chapter 10
Question Sets
Week 12
19-16 Nov / Ch 11, Applying Bloodstain Pattern Analysis in the Crime Scene / Read Chapter 11
Question Sets
Week 13
17-23 Nov / Ch 12, The Body as a Crime Scene / Read Chapter 12
Question Sets
Week 14
24-30 Nov / Ch 13, Special Scene Considerations / Read Chapter 13
Question Sets
Week 15
1-7 Dec / Ch 14, The Role of Crime Scene Analysis and Reconstruction / Read Chapter 14
Question Sets
Week 16
8-12 Dec / Final Exam (Chapters 8-14) / Final Exam (10-12 Dec)

6.1 Important Dates to Remember:

September 10Last day to drop 16-wk courses with no record

October 31Last day to drop 16-wk course with a "Q" or "W"

November 21Deadline Spring 2015 Graduation Application (commencement)

December 10Deadline Fall 2014 Degree Conferral (w/o commencement)

December 12Last day to withdraw from the university 16-wk session

7.0TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPORT

7.1 Technology Requirements

This course will use the TAMUCT Blackboard Learn learning management system for class communications, content distribution, and assessments. If you do not have frequent and reliable access to a computer with Internet connection, please consider dropping this course or contact me (your email and phone number) to discuss your situation.

Blackboard supports the most common operating systems:

PC: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista

Mac: Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks), 10.8 (Mountain Lion), and 10.7 (Lion)

NOTE: Computers using Windows XP, Windows 8 RT and OS X 10.6 or lower are NO longer supported

Check browser and computer compatibility by following the “Browser Check” link on the TAMUCT Blackboard logon page. This is a critical step as these settings are important for when you take an exam or submit an assignment.

Upon logging on to Blackboard Learn, you will see a link to Blackboard Student Orientation under My Courses tab. Click on that link and study the materials in this orientation course. The new Blackboard is a brand-new interface and you will have to come up to speed with it really quickly. This orientation course will help you get there. There is also a link to Blackboard Help from inside the course on the left-hand menu bar. The first week of the course includes activities and assignments that will help you get up to speed with navigation, sending and receiving messages and discussion posts, and submitting an assignment. Your ability to function within the Blackboard system will facilitate your success in this course.

Technology issues are not an excuse for missing a course requirement – make sure your computer is configured correctly and address issues well in advance of deadlines.

7.2 Technology Support

For technology issues, students should contact Help Desk Central. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

Email:

Phone: (254) 519-5466

Web Chat:

When calling for support please let your support technician know you are a TAMUCT student. For issues related to course content and requirements, contact your instructor.

8.0UNIVERSITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

8.1 Drops and Withdrawals

If you discover that you need to drop this class, you must go to the Records Office and ask for the necessary paperwork. Professors cannot drop students; this is always the responsibility of the student. The record’s office will provide a deadline for which the form must be returned, completed and signed. Once you return the signed form to the records office and wait 24 hours, you must go into Duck Trax and confirm that you are no longer enrolled. Should you still be enrolled, FOLLOW-UP with the records office immediately? You are to attend class until the procedure is complete to avoid penalty for absence. Should you miss the deadline or fail to follow the procedure, you will receive an F in the course. See Important Dates to Remember in Section 6.1 above.

8.2Academic Integrity

You are expected to be honest and ethical in all your academic work, avoiding even the appearance of misconduct or dishonesty. Academic misconduct or dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on examinations or other academic work, misrepresentation, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse or misuse of records, documents, or resource materials. Regardless of the source, you must give credit to someone else's ideas, words, and phrasing in all your academic writing. This includes information and material found on the Web. Never take credit for someone else's work.

Academic misconduct or dishonesty will result in a failing grade on the assignment and possibly a failing grade in the class or expulsion from the university. All cases will be referred to the Associate Director of Student Conduct. More information can be found at

8.3 Disability Services

If you have or believe you have a disability and wish to self-identify, you can do so by providing documentation to the Disability Support Coordinator. Students are encouraged to seek information about accommodations to help assure success in their courses. Please contact Vanessa Snyder at (254) 501-5831 or visit Founder's Hall 114. Additional information can be found at

The Disability Support Coordinator is responsible for reviewing documentation provided by students requesting accommodations, determining eligibility for accommodations, helping students request and use accommodations, and coordinating accommodations.

8.4 Tutoring

Tutoring is available to all TAMUCT students, both on-campus and online. Subjects tutored include Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, and Writing. Tutors are available at the Tutoring Center in Warrior Hall, Room 111. Visit and click "Tutoring Support" for tutor schedules and contact info. If you have questions, need to schedule a tutoring session, or if you're interested in becoming a tutor, contact Academic Support Programs at 254-501-5830 or by emailing .

Chat live with a tutor 24/7 for almost any subject on your computer! Tutor.com is an online tutoring platform that enables TAMUCT students to log-in and receive FREE online tutoring and writing support. This tool provides tutoring in Mathematics, Writing, Career Writing, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Spanish, Calculus, and Statistics. To access Tutor.com, log into your Blackboard account and click "Online Tutoring."

8.5 Library Services

Library distance education services aims to make available quality assistance to A&M-Central Texas students seeking information sources remotely by providing digital reference, online information literacy tutorials, and digital research materials. Much of the TAMUCT collection is available instantly from home. This includes over half of the library's book collection, as well as approximately 25,000 electronic journals and 200 online databases. Library Distance Education Services are outlined and accessed at:

Information literacy focuses on research skills which prepare individuals to live and work in an information-centered society. Librarians will work with students in the development of critical reasoning, ethical use of information, and the appropriate use of secondary research techniques. Help may include, but is not limited to: the exploration of information resources such as library collections, the identification of appropriate materials, and the execution of effective search strategies. Library Resources are outlined and accessed at:

9.0COURSE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

9.1 Communication

The preferred method of communication is through Blackboard Messages. If using my university e-mail address, please use the course (CJK425) in the subject line and include your name. You can expect a reply to messages within 24 hours, or 48 hours over a weekend.

9.2 Preparation/Participation

You should complete all assigned readings and be fully prepared to actively contribute in our sessions. This means having studied the assigned materials and being prepared to offer commentary, ask and answer questions. You will place yourself at a significant disadvantage if you do not prepare for our sessions or if you do not participate.

9.3 Due Dates and Late Submissions

All requirements are due at the assigned time and date. Late submissions will not be awarded credit. This means there are no valid excuses for late submissions. There will be no exceptions.

9.4 Extra Credit

Additional course work is not a substitute for learning the assigned material; therefore, extra credit opportunities are not available.

9.5 Incompletes

An Incomplete (K) is only used in extraordinary circumstances when a student is precluded from taking a final exam or submitting an assignment due to an emergency situation and the student is otherwise passing the course. This course relies to a great extent on participation and interaction which is impossible to make up if missed. In addition, the asynchronous nature of the course requirements allows for completion and submission of those requirements anytime day or night. Therefore, an Incomplete for the course will only be given under extraordinary circumstances.

9.6 Confidentiality

Within the educational environment, it is inevitable that discussions of criminal justice issues, problems, and incidents will be presented that strike a personal chord with some members of the class. You are never required to discuss personal or work related issues. If you choose to reveal a personal or work issue, members of the class are requested to respect criminal justice values and honor their fellow student's privacy and confidentiality; however, you should be aware that information revealed in online or classroom sessions could be disseminated to others.

9.7 Revisions

Components of this course are subject to revision. If it becomes necessary to revise the course (structure, syllabus, calendar, etc.) during the semester, all changes will be announced on the course home page.