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Rio Hondo College
Department of Public Safety
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90608

Course Description: This is a study of the basic principles of all types of investigations utilized in the justice system. Coverage will include human aspects in dealing with the public, specific knowledge necessary for handling crime scenes, interviews, evidence, surveillance, follow-up, technical resources, and case preparation.

Course Assignments 
Unit 1- email your instructor and acknowledge due dates for completed work and final exams. 

Unit 2 - Introduction to Principles of Investigation.  List the objectives of a criminal investigation.

• Unit Overview:  Fundamentals of an investigation.
  The crime scene must be approached from the beginning, do not neglect the obvious. Your investigation should be done systematically.
  Investigation Defined.
  A detailed inquiry or systematic examination.
  Objectives of a criminal investigation
  A criminal investigation is a lawful search for people and things to reconstruct the circumstances of an illegal act, apprehend or determine the guilty party, and aid in the state’s prosecution of the offender. Steps include:
  

  Deal with emergencies, determine if a crime has been committed and, if so, what crime; establish crime scene priorities; identify suspects; apprehend the suspects; gather and preserve evidence; recover stolen property; and assist in prosecution and conviction of the defendant or defendants

  Methods used in a criminal investigation
  It is important for an investigator to be able to make reasoned connections between the information and evidence gathered from the crime scene and witnesses and a possible suspect in the crime. These connections may be made through either deductive reasoning or inductive reasoning.
  

Unit 3 - Characteristics of Investigators, Notes & Reports, Interviewing.  Define desirable characteristics and attitudes for investigators.

• Unit Overview:  Characteristics of an Investigator
  Investigators should strive to be objective, keeping in mind that a criminal investigation can affect the lives of all involved. Investigators should take nothing for granted.
  Notes and Reports
  Written chronological notes establish a permanent record of all official notifications received and made by investigators. Original reporting officers have the best opportunity to obtain all the facts at the crime scene immediately following the occurrence.
  Principles of Report Writing
  The most important principle in reporting is accuracy. Completeness is an investigational tool.
  Interviewing is the questioning of persons who may possess direct informational evidence through personal perceptions or who may contribute leads and other valuable assistance in a criminal investigation.
  

Unit 4 - The Crime Scene  Describe the various methods of searching, recording, collection, preservation and handling, storage and disposition of evidence.

• Unit Overview:  The Crime Scene
  The crime scene is the locale within the immediate vicinity of the occurrence wherein evidence may be found.
  Evaluation of the Scene
  Evaluation of the crime scene and perimeters is required. The type of residence or building, open yard or street, field or canyon and possible routes of entry and escape used by the suspect(s) must be also considered in terms of establishing the perimeter of the scene to be protected.
  Methods of Searching, Recording, Collection,
  Preservations and Handling, Storage and Disposition of Evidence
  The term, physical evidence, includes any physical thing that may be found at the crime scene or found at another location, yet having a direct connection or relationship with the scene, the suspect or the victim. The proper locating, collecting, handling and preservation of evidence will many times be the determining factor in establishing guilt or innocence of an accused.
  First Officer at the Scene
  The initial thoughts and efforts of the first officer or investigator at the crime scene must be directed to the welfare of the victim.
  

Unit 5 - The Crime Lab.  Explain the various types of physical evidence studied by the Trace Analysis Section.

• Unit Overview:  Physical Evidence Studies and the Laboratory
  A criminalistics laboratory utilizes the skills of professional criminalists, technical assistants, questioned document and latent fingerprint examiners, photographers, and polygraph examiners. Criminalists are university graduates holding degrees in criminalistics and related physical sciences.
  Studies and Criminal Investigations
  Many laboratories are organized into sections which are each responsible for specific functions. A Firearms Section conducts firearms identification. Trace analysis involves the examination of various types of physical evidence, such as slides taken from rape victims, fibers, hair.
  Toxicology
  Toxicology is the study of poisons and their action on the living organism. It is a very complex science that is divided into two areas: clinical and chemical.
  Trace Analysis
  Trace Analysis involves the examination, identification and evaluation of numerous types of physical evidence collected in criminal investigations. The studies conducted by this section would include the microscopic examination of slides taken from rape victims, the microscopic examination and comparison of fibers, hair, tool marks, pry marks, and more.
  Polygraph
  The instrument commonly called a lie detector is actually a scientific diagnostic instrument and is referred to in many police circles as the polygraph.
  

Unit 6 - Use of Police Records, Sources of Information.  Give examples of how investigators develop, cultivate, maintain and use sources of information.

• Unit Overview:  Police Records Systems
  Records assist police agencies in gathering information on crimes, arrest and complete modus operandi data that may serve in the identification and apprehension of wanted suspects.
  Specialized Systems
  There are several systems that can be utilized by the records department to aid in the identification of a suspect. The Automated criminal record and information system is just one of the many that are available. This system stores information on cards that have been entered into a computer.
  Public and Private Systems
  An investigator must learn how to gain access to public records through their custodians, and learn how (or through whom) to obtain needed information from private records.
  Develop, Cultivate, and Maintain Sources of Information
  A relationship between an investigator and a personal informant is usually based on trust and a mutual need. The investigator needs information, and the informant may be motivated by a desire for money, fear, or revenge. In all cases, dealings with informants must be private, confidential and ethical.
  

Unit 7 - Surveillance and Undercover Investigation, Interrogation Principles.  Explain the value of surveillance and undercover operations and their need in criminal investigation.

• Unit Overview:  Techniques of Surveillance and Undercover Assignments
  A surveillance is the secret observation of persons, places or objects. The purpose of the surveillance is to observe, usually from a distance. The undercover operator, on the other hand, seeks out and makes direct contact with the suspect.
  The Value of Surveillance and Undercover
  The purpose of both techniques of investigation is to obtain information and evidence regarding suspects and their criminal activities.
  The Art of Criminal Interrogation
  To achieve a high level of proficiency in this art, the investigator must consistently engage in the practical application of various techniques over a period of years.
  Components, Rules and Classifications
  The investigator should compile a profile of the suspect based on the information available and select a method of approach to begin the interrogation.
  

Unit 8 - Written Statements and Confessions, Investigative Guidelines.  Identify the basic format for taking statements and confessions.

• Unit Overview:  Statements and Confessions
  Criminal investigation requires the taking of written statements and confessions, and care must be exercised to ensure the validity of the information obtained and to preserve its possible evidentiary value.
  Special Situations
  Each type of crime or investigative scene, in one sense or another, a special situation requiring certain techniques and treatments that are in some way unique to that scene or crime. Investigative Techniques. Seasoned criminal investigators have learned through experience to understand and appreciate the value of utilizing what may be called programmed techniques when conducting investigations.
  The Autopsy
  In years past, the autopsy was often the only means of determining the cause of death. Today the forensic pathologist utilizes the services of the anesthesiologist, radiologist, odontologist, toxicologist, psychologist and psychiatrist.
  

Unit 9 - Case Preparation, Court Demeanor and Testimony.  Identify those who can testify as an "expert witness", and explain the procedure for qualifying as an expert witness.

Final Examination: Your grade for the course will be weighted as follows: Written Assignments = 50%, Final Exam = 50%. In order to successfully complete the course you MUST complete the written assignments and, take the final examination. If you live within 50 miles of the campus, you MUST take the final examination on campus. You may contact the Learning Assistance Center at (562) 692-0921 x 4016 or 3169 to schedule taking the final exam. The Learning Assistance Center is located at the Police Academy which is on the main campus on Canyon Drive. If you live over 50 miles from the college the exam may be proctored at your location. Contact your instructor for details.

If you experience any difficulty or need any further clarification, contact the Online Coordinator, Carley Mitchell at mitchellcarley@hotmail.com or in an emergency call him at (801) 953-6173.

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