Course Number and Title:
CRJ 201 Investigation and Report Writing
Prerequisites
CRJ 101 and CRJ 102 and CRJ 220
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
0 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course develops the foundational skills needed to conduct effective investigations and write clear, concise, and professional reports. Focus is given to the practical aspects of investigation and documentation in law enforcement, legal, correctional, and rehabilitative settings.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
Apply the basic steps of report writing in various criminal justice settings. (CCC 1, 2, 4 ; PGC 1, 3, 4, 5)
Compose chronologically-structured narratives. (CCC 1, 2, 3; PGC 1, 3, 4, 5)
Describe the various documents used for writing event reports within the criminal justice system. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
Explain the principles/procedures necessary for basic criminal investigation techniques. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
Explain crime scene processing, evidence collecting, and preservation of evidence.(CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
Apply interviewing, trauma-informed, and crisis intervention skills to report writing within the criminal justice system. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 1, 3, 5)
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:
Apply the basic steps of report writing in various criminal justice settings.
Select the appropriate report format based on the requirements of a given criminal justice scenario.
Apply appropriate spelling, grammar, and word choice in criminal justice reports.
Describe the key characteristics of a well-written criminal justice report.
Identify errors in completing standard report forms, including incorrect placement of information.
Demonstrate effective note-taking techniques during simulated investigations.
Compose chronologically-structured narratives.
Compose a clear, concise, accurate, and unbiased report using relevant investigative details.
Document key incident details including who, what, when, where, how, why (if known), injuries, medical treatment, property damage, and items seized, found, or stolen.
Record observations and actions taken by officers and other personnel involved in the investigation.
Describe the various documents used for writing event reports within the corrections system.
Explain the function of progress, violation, pre-arrest/pre-search, incident and pre-trial reports used within Corrections.
Describe the characteristics of evidence-based reports in the department of corrections.
Explain the role of case notes in a correctional setting.
Explain the principles and procedures necessary for basic criminal investigation techniques.
Describe legal requirements related to search warrants, arrests, the Miranda warning, and chain of custody.
Explain proper procedures for identifying, collecting, and documenting physical evidence at a crime scene.
Explain professional interviewing techniques for victims, witnesses, and suspects.
Describe how to recognize personal bias and uphold ethical standards during investigations.
Explain crime scene processing, evidence collection, and preservation of evidence.
Describe methods used to document evidence at a crime scene.
Identify tools used to collect evidence without damaging or contaminating it.
Explain proper documentation of evidence collection and chain of custody procedures.
Apply interviewing, trauma-informed, and crisis intervention skills to report writing within the criminal justice system.
Use inclusive and non-objectifying language in written reports.
Apply trauma-informed and emotionally accessible language in report writing.
Explain how headings and subheadings improve organization and clarity in longer reports.
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 | Grade |
Summative Assessments |
Exams (3) (equally weighted) | 40% |
Case Study Assignment | 10% |
Observation and Report | 10% |
Formative Assessments |
The course will contain various formative assessments, including but not limited to: Quizzes Assignments Career research Journals Discussion boards
| 40% |
Total | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and homeland security.
- Analyze causes of adult and juvenile crime.
- Explain the importance of professionalism, ethics, and critical thinking skills in the field of criminal justice.
- Apply skills needed in investigation, report writing, and crisis intervention.
- Demonstrate communication skills appropriate to criminal justice, including cultural competence and trauma-informed care.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- 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.