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CRJ 237 Law Enforcement Practicum

This course is directed toward students seeking a career in law enforcement and encompasses major topics instructed at a Delaware police academy, in accordance with Delaware Council on Police Training (COPT) requirements. Key topics include traffic laws and collision investigation techniques, criminal law, constitutional law, terrorism, report writing, evidence collection, crime scene processing, and crisis intervention techniques. Upon successful completion of the course, students may become eligible for advanced standing at a Delaware police academy, if sponsored and hired by a qualifying Delaware police agency.

Credits

13

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: (Test score or ENG 102 or higher) and CRJ 101 and CRJ 102 and CRJ 104 and CRJ 105 and CRJ 115 and CRJ 220 and HDM 202

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

CRJ 237 Law Enforcement Practicum

Campus Location

  • Dover
  • Georgetown
  • Stanton

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: (Test score or ENG 102 or higher) and CRJ 101 and CRJ 102 and CRJ 104 and CRJ 105 and CRJ 115 and CRJ 220 and HDM 202

Course Credits and Hours

13 credit(s)

12 lecture hours/week

4 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course is directed toward students seeking a career in law enforcement and encompasses major topics instructed at a Delaware police academy, in accordance with Delaware Council on Police Training (COPT) requirements. Key topics include traffic laws and collision investigation techniques, criminal law, constitutional law, terrorism, report writing, evidence collection, crime scene processing, and crisis intervention techniques. Upon successful completion of the course, students may become eligible for advanced standing at a Delaware police academy, if sponsored and hired by a qualifying Delaware police agency.

Additional Materials

Current edition of the Delaware Criminal and Traffic Law Manual. Most other training materials will be provided by Delaware Tech and the accredited police training academy.

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

Students are responsible for paying all fees necessary to obtain a criminal background report. Please refer to The Delaware Council on Police Training Standards for further details http://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title1/800/801.shtml

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Perform the skills, methods, and techniques applied to collision investigations.  (CCC 2, 4, 6; PGC 1, 3)
  2. Identify the appropriate sections within the Delaware Traffic Code and all offenses contained therein. (CCC 2; PGC 5)
  3. Discuss all the features and uses of police communications equipment. (CCC 6; PGC 2)
  4. Prepare written reports used by police agencies. (CCC 2, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 5)
  5. Perform the skills used in accurate and detailed field note writing. (CCC 2; PGC 1, 3)
  6. Apply the basic techniques and procedures of crime scene processing and applicable rules of evidence, including locating, preserving, and collecting fingerprints. (CCC 2, 4; PGC 1, 2, 5)
  7. Describe the impact of law on society. (CCC 4; PGC 4, 5)
  8. Analyze the various titles and sections of the Delaware Criminal Code. (CCC 2; PGC 5)
  9. Use interviewing, counseling, and crisis intervention techniques with diverse criminal justice populations. (CCC 2, 4; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
  10. Examine the contents of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and explain their impact on the development of criminal law. (CCC 2, 4; PGC 5)
  11. Describe constitutional restrictions on law enforcement. (CCC 2, 4; PGC 1, 2, 5)
  12. Discuss the primary strategies for dealing with terrorism prevention and response. (CCC 2, 4; PGC 2, 3)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Perform the skills, methods, and techniques applied to collision investigations.
    1. Apply the Delaware Traffic Code, the Delaware Uniform Collision Report, and the various definitions therein to motor vehicle traffic collision scenarios.
    2. Perform the proper collision scene procedures based on various collision scene scenarios.
    3. Identify the procedures involving witness statements, items of evidentiary value, and driver statements.
    4. Apply the procedures in searching a collision scene for injured persons, fatalities, and physical evidence.
    5. Perform the proper methods for the processing of various collision scene scenarios, including measurements, triangulation, photographs, and written descriptions.
    6. Explain the procedures when securing a collision scene, a motor vehicle, and/or personal property.
    7. Identify departments or agencies that should be notified and under what circumstances.
    8. Identify the information given to the driver of a motor vehicle and under what circumstances.
    9. Apply the proper procedures used in the investigation of hit-and-run traffic collisions.
  2. Apply the appropriate sections within the Delaware Traffic Code to common offenses described therein.
    1. Apply the function of traffic control-related provisions of the Motor Vehicle Code.
    2. Define the terminology related to motor vehicles and the Delaware Traffic Code.
    3. Apply various traffic control devices and the authority for their use.
    4. Define the offenses of Delaware's Motor Vehicle Code relating to licensing, registration, and dangerous moving violations.
    5. Apply the provisions relating to the title and transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle.
    6. Describe the limitations of motor vehicle(s) with special registration.
    7. Apply the provisions regarding motor vehicle insurance and vehicle identification, and the provisions that prohibit fraud and/or falsified documents typically encountered by police.
    8. Apply the provisions related to suspended and revoked operating privileges.
    9. Apply the provisions and any permits regulating vehicle width, height, length, weight, and/or load.
    10. Describe the inspection requirements and equipment standards of various vehicles and the provisions related to enforcement.
  3. Discuss all the features and uses of police communications equipment.
    1. Identify the procedures used when receiving and assessing telephone requests for police assistance.
    2. Employ clear, concise, and calm verbal skills via radio communications.
    3. Identify all necessary information required in a description of a person and/or vehicle.
    4. Use law enforcement 10-codes, National Crime Information Center codes, and/or service codes.
    5. Use plain language communications during multi- agency operations under the Incident Command System guidelines.
    6. Use the 800 megahertz (MHZ) radio communication system, and troubleshoot user-level issues that may be encountered.
  4. Prepare written reports used by police agencies.
    1. Apply the procedures and assessment techniques for a complete and accurate incident report, according to established policy.
    2. Complete an incident report with the required essential characteristics using a variety of police scenarios.
    3. Demonstrate the effective usage of the mobile data terminal.
    4. Apply the rules governing usage of obscenities, medical and scientific terminology, slang, and/or opinion within a police report.
    5. Identify the content of departmental reports/records and the procedures involving release of information.
    6. Identify the procedures involved in validating, compiling, updating, and distributing lists of wanted persons, missing persons, stolen vehicles, and/or property.
    7. Explain how community police strategies are facilitated by the use of police reports and records.
    8. Explain Delaware's law governing the privacy and security of criminal history records and the consequences for violating this mandate.
  5. Perform the skills used in accurate and detailed field note writing.
    1. Identify the sources of information immediately available at the preliminary stage of investigation.
    2. Apply descriptive information useful in the identification of a perpetrator and damaged or stolen property in examples of detailed field notes.
    3. Apply the general rule of field note writing when documenting the identifying characteristics of a suspect.
    4. Demonstrate the minimal information and proper techniques involved when recording method of operation and crime-specific factors.
    5. Apply important field note considerations and information that may be obtained from various crime scene scenarios.
  6. Apply the basic techniques and procedures of crime scene processing and applicable rules of evidence, including locating, preserving, and collecting fingerprints.
    1. Identify various categories of evidence that a forensic laboratory may analyze in support of a criminal investigation.
    2. Apply the proper techniques for the collection of various forms of evidence from various crime scene scenarios.
    3. Demonstrate the methods for identifying, marking, tagging, packaging, preserving, and transporting crime scene evidence and/or confiscated property.
    4. Describe the procedures for establishing the chain of custody for evidence.
    5. Demonstrate various methods of conducting crime scene searches and the legal requirements for search warrants.
    6. Explain the patrol officer's responsibility when he/she is the first to arrive at a crime scene.
    7. Describe the circumstances when specialized assistance should be summoned to a crime scene.
    8. Explain the officer's responsibility regarding the victim(s) at various crime scenes.
    9. Identify the uses and limitations of photographs as evidence.
    10. Demonstrate the proper use of cameras and photography at a crime scene.
    11. Explain the terminology related to crime scene diagrams.
    12. Apply the methods of crime scene diagram preparation.
    13. Analyze fingerprints and fingerprint classifications.
    14. Explain the characteristics of plastic and latent fingerprints.
    15. Apply the proper procedures for dusting, lifting, and preserving latent prints.
    16. Process a variety of latent and/or plastic prints from items of various texture and color.
    17. Secure inked prints and live-scan electronic prints.
    18. Explain the operation and usefulness of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
  7. Describe the impact of law on society.
    1. Review the differences between civil and criminal negligence, and explain how state of mind is determined in juveniles and adults.
    2. Evaluate key factors in establishing criminal defenses.
    3. Analyze the key elements necessary to prove different types of offenses and the duties and responsibilities of the law enforcement officers in each case.
    4. Summarize offenses relating to the public place.
    5. Evaluate the impact of crimes in the administration of justice such as bribery, obstruction of justice, escape, and resisting arrest.
    6. Explain the entire process of a criminal case from arrest to trial using a mock trial approach.
    7. Analyze effective police witness testimony, including the preparation of a case prior to trial, appearance, and demeanor in the courtroom.
  8. Analyze and apply the various titles and sections of the Delaware Criminal Code.
    1. Discuss the aspects of arrest and commitment, search and seizure, extradition, jurisdiction, witnesses and evidence, and classification of offenses.
    2. Evaluate the role of law enforcement personnel with emphasis on accountability, obligations, responsibilities, and limitations as mandated.
    3. Analyze the codification of landmark cases in the Delaware Code to include detainment and fresh pursuit.
  9. Use interviewing, counseling, and crisis intervention techniques with diverse criminal justice populations.
    1. Demonstrate verbal intervention techniques and active listening skills to work with diverse populations.
    2. Analyze the potential dangers and effective crisis management skills associated with domestic violence situations.
    3. Identify the overt signs of elder abuse including financial exploitation.
    4. Explore the available measures for dealing with situations involving mental illness, intellectual disability, Alzheimer's disease, persons with physical disabilities, and similar afflictions.
    5. Demonstrate first response protocols related to allegations of patient abuse or neglect in a long-term care facility.
    6. Use basic Spanish to enhance dialogue necessary in the performance of law enforcement duties.
  10. Examine the contents of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and explain the impact of each on the development of criminal law.
    1. Describe the development of the United States Constitution.
    2. Describe both favorable and unfavorable characteristics that influenced unification attempts.
    3. Describe the development of the Delaware Constitution.
    4. Identify and describe the need for a Bill of Rights.
    5. Identify and describe the need for the 14th Amendment.
    6. Explain the need for limitations of freedoms.
    7. Describe the need for governmental interference.
    8. Analyze recent United States Supreme Court decisions affecting law enforcement.
    9. Contrast the historical development of criminal law and the resulting criminal justice systems in the United States.
    10. Analyze the elements that constitute criminal conduct.
    11. Outline the various categories and classifications of crime, defining criminal acts, status, and the definitions of intent and motive.
    12. Explain the rules of causation.
    13. Describe the elements of inchoate crimes, including attempt to commit a crime, criminal solicitation, conspiracy, and the legal response to each.
    14. Discuss the different categories and types of offenses against the person and offenses against property.
  11. Describe constitutional restrictions on law enforcement.
    1. Evaluate and explain the rights contained in the Fourth Amendment.
    2. Explain the basic concept of a frisk.
    3. Discuss effective and ineffective types of searches.
    4. Differentiate between arrest and seizure.
    5. Describe the fundamental characteristics of the various searches.
    6. Explain the significance of the exclusionary rule.
    7. Evaluate and explain the rights contained in the Fifth Amendment.
    8. Describe the essential features of custody and arrest.
    9. Describe landmark cases pertaining to interrogation.
    10. Evaluate the restrictions on police activity regarding investigation, interrogation, search for evidence, seizure of evidence, wiretapping and electronic surveillance, detainment for investigation, arrest, and compelling suspects to submit to procedures involving the use of their bodies as a source of evidence against them (e.g., lineups, blood sample, etc.).
  12. Discuss the primary strategies for dealing with terrorism prevention and response.
    1. Explain the identification, avoidance, isolation, and notification techniques regarding weapons of mass destruction and all associated environmental hazards.
    2. Describe detection methods of suspicious vehicles and trucks for improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Summative: Exam (3) (equally weighted)

60%

Formative: Practical exercises, in-class assessments, field trip analyses, career expo analyses, etc. (equally weighted)

40%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

CRJAASLEO

  1. Employ criminal justice ethics in the performance of duties.
  2. Employ the legal principles and practices of criminal and constitutional law.
  3. Utilize interviewing, counseling, and crisis intervention techniques with diverse criminal justice populations.
  4. Apply the knowledge and skills of a law enforcement professional.
  5. Meet the academic training eligibility requirements for advanced standing status at the Delaware State Police Academy.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for all distance education type courses.

Academic Integrity

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Attendance

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Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal