Instructor: Mary Louise Ryan Norwell, J.D.

Contact Information Professor Mary Lou Norwell Office Hours: Wednesday 9:00-11:00 (EST) AIM: Phone:

Grading Discussion Boards: 1. Postings demonstrate critical thought 2. Postings are in the 100-word range, 3. At least 3-postings made per discussion thread (one in response to question and two responding to another student’s posting), 4. All postings made prior to the conclusion of each unit. It should be noted that you will not be able to post messages after the conclusion of each unit.

Additional Course Expectations Writing Assignments: Formal Writing, Avoid Plagiarism (see Kaplan policy in Doc Sharing) Weekly Quizs – Take as often as you want Units will close at the end of the unit week; Late work: Accepted with arrangement; communication is key! Seminars: Be there and participate! These are easy points to get; be respectful and active; there are no “right” answers.

Unit 1: The Foundation and Principles of Criminal Investigation Post Introduction (Course Home) Attend Seminar Read Chapters 1 & 2 Respond to Discussion Question & other students responses Review Supplemental Material in Unit 1

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

It seems to me that at this time we need education in the obvious more than the investigation of the obscure. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

The collection of information and evidence for identifying, apprehending, and convicting suspected offenders Criminal Investigation

Responsibilities of Criminal Investigator Determine if a Crime Has Been Committed Verify Jurisdiction Discover All Facts and Collect Physical Evidence Recover Stolen Property Identify the Perpetrator Locate and Apprehend the Perpetrator Aid the Prosecution by Providing Evidence of Guilt Admissible in Court Testify Effectively as a Witness in Court

Mental Ability Personality Attitude Knowledge Desirable Attributes in an Investigator

Development Interpretation Investigative Value Physical Evidence

Forensic Science – the REAL CSI Criminalistics: The Development and Interpretation of Physical Evidence Details of Physical Evidence Identification and Identity The Role of the Crime Laboratory Are the Facts Consistent with the Story?

Forensic Medicine Forensic Pathology Toxicology Forensic Odontology Forensic Psychiatry

Crime Scene Clues Fingerprints Firearms Blood Semen, Other Biological Material, and DNA Profiling Documents Glass Trace Evidence

Conclusion Outcomes Define Criminal Investigation. Understand the responsibilities and attributes of a successful investigator. Identify sources of information at a crime scene. Compare and contrast universal motives and particularized motives. Review the origins of criminal investigation. Identify and explain two major branches of forensic science.