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)
- Differentiate 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)
- Assess the various documents used for writing event reports within the criminal justice system. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4 )
- Understand the principles/procedures necessary for basic criminal investigation techniques. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4 ; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4 )
- Discuss 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:
- Differentiate the basic steps of report writing in various criminal justice settings.
- Assess the necessary documents used for writing reports in a criminal justice setting.
- Demonstrate proper spelling, grammar and word choice in report writing.
- Define and discuss the characteristic a well written report.
- Identify mechanical errors in criminal justice reports.
- Demonstrate proficiency with note-taking as well as proof reading skills.
- Compose chronologically-structured narratives.
- Author a report that is complete, clear, concise, concrete and correct with information.
- Compile details of the incident including who, what, when, where how and why (if known), documentation of injuries, medical treatment; property damage, seized, found, stolen
- Assemble observations and perceptions including action taken by officer including investigation, response, and actions of other personnel.
- Synthesize an abundance of investigation information into a concise, thorough, accurate, unbiased report.
- Assess the various documents used for writing event reports within the criminal justice system.
- Articulate the function of progress, violation, pre-arrest/pre-search, incident and pre-trial reports used within Corrections.
- Demonstrate knowledge of evidence based reports in police work
- Articulate the differences and purposes of criminal justice reports.
- Explain the role of case notes in a correctional and/or other criminal justice setting.
- Understand the principles/procedures necessary for basic criminal investigation techniques.
- Demonstrate knowledge of relevant laws regarding search warrants, arrests, Miranda warning and chain of custody.
- Understand the process of properly identifying, collecting, and documenting physical evidence at a crime scene.
- Understand how to conduct a thorough, professional interview with victims, witnesses and suspects.
- Recognize and address potential biases and uphold ethical standards during an investigation.
- Discuss crime scene processing, evidence collecting, and preservation of evidence.
- Articulate the various ways that investigators document evidence at a crime scene.
- Discuss the various tools that investigators may use during collection to avoid damaging or contaminating evidence.
- Discuss the how evidence is collected/ preserved and the role the chain of custody plays.
- Apply interviewing, trauma informed, and crisis intervention skills to report writing within the criminal justice system.
- Demonstrate proper use of inclusive and non-objectifying language.
- Demonstrate proper use of trauma-informed and emotionally accessible language.
- Articulate the function of headings and sub-headings in long documents to make it easier to organize and understand.
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) | 50% |
Case Study Assignment | 10% |
Formative Assessments |
The course will contain various formative assessments including but not limited to: Quizzes Assignments Group Work 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.