Criminal Investigation and Forensics Course

Lesson 1 • Ethics and Professional Conduct

Applies ethical frameworks to investigative decision-making under pressure. Builds integrity habits that protect investigations and public trust.

Lesson 2 • Constitutional and Rights-Based Constraints

Examines rights protections that govern searches, seizures, and interrogations. Ensures investigators avoid evidence suppression and civil liability.

Lesson 3 • Overview of the Investigative Process

Maps the end-to-end investigative workflow from initial report to case closure. Orients students to the sequence of skills developed throughout the course.

Lesson 4 • Legal Authority and Investigator Roles

Defines the legal powers and limitations of investigators across public and private sectors. Anchors all subsequent fieldwork in lawful authority.

Lesson 1 • Scene Reconstruction Basics

Introduces logical methods for inferring event sequences from physical evidence patterns. Connects scene documentation skills to investigative hypothesis formation.

Lesson 2 • Responding to and Securing the Scene

Covers first-responder priorities for scene arrival, safety assessment, and perimeter establishment. Sets the foundation for all subsequent scene processing steps.

Lesson 3 • Evidence Recognition and Marking

Trains systematic identification of physical, biological, and trace evidence at scenes. Proper marking prevents loss and establishes the foundation for chain of custody.

Lesson 4 • Chain of Custody Principles

Establishes procedures for tracking evidence from scene to courtroom without interruption. Demonstrates how custody failures can invalidate prosecutions.

Lesson 1 • Impression Evidence

Teaches collection and comparison of footwear, tire, and tool mark impressions. Impression evidence provides class and individual characteristics for identification.

Lesson 2 • Firearms and Ballistics Evidence

Examines firearm identification, bullet and cartridge case comparison, and gunshot residue analysis. Links weapons to crimes through physical and chemical evidence.

Lesson 3 • Digital and Electronic Evidence Basics

Introduces recognition and preservation of digital evidence on devices and networks. Establishes proper handling before in-depth digital forensics covered later.

Lesson 4 • Trace Evidence Collection and Analysis

Addresses hair, fiber, glass, soil, and paint transfer evidence and their evidentiary value. Trace evidence links suspects, victims, and scenes through transfer principles.

Lesson 1 • Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

Applies physics and geometry to interpret bloodstain shapes, distributions, and directionality. Patterns reconstruct events and corroborate or refute witness accounts.

Lesson 2 • Biological Evidence at Crime Scenes

Identifies blood, saliva, semen, and other biological materials and their evidentiary significance. Proper collection prevents degradation that would eliminate DNA profiling potential.

Lesson 3 • DNA Profiling Fundamentals

Explains STR analysis, mixture interpretation, and profile generation from biological samples. Investigators use this knowledge to evaluate laboratory reports critically.

Lesson 4 • Presenting Biological Evidence in Court

Prepares investigators to explain biological and DNA findings to judges and juries clearly. Addresses common defense challenges to laboratory methodology and statistics.

Lesson 1 • Deception Detection and Statement Analysis

Evaluates scientific validity of verbal and nonverbal deception indicators. Teaches statement analysis as a supplement to, not replacement for, corroborating evidence.

Lesson 2 • Victim and Witness Interviews

Applies trauma-informed and cognitive techniques to maximize accurate recall from victims and witnesses. Addresses special populations including children and vulnerable adults.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Investigative Interviewing

Introduces cognitive and behavioral science foundations of effective interviewing. Distinguishes interviewing from interrogation and establishes rapport-based approaches.

Lesson 4 • Suspect Interrogation Techniques

Examines evidence-based interrogation models that reduce false confession risk while eliciting truthful admissions. Contrasts modern approaches with discredited coercive methods.

Lesson 1 • Physical Surveillance Techniques

Teaches stationary and mobile surveillance methods for tracking subjects without detection. Covers legal authority requirements and documentation standards for surveillance operations.

Lesson 2 • Open-Source Intelligence Collection

Applies systematic OSINT methods to gather publicly available information on subjects and networks. Teaches source verification to prevent acting on inaccurate data.

Lesson 3 • Integrating Intelligence into Investigations

Teaches analysts and investigators to fuse surveillance, OSINT, and financial data into coherent intelligence products. Supports strategic decision-making and resource allocation.

Lesson 4 • Electronic Surveillance and Lawful Intercepts

Covers legal frameworks for telephone, electronic, and location-based surveillance. Emphasizes authorization requirements that protect evidence admissibility.

Lesson 1 • Network and Internet Investigations

Applies network forensics to trace communications, identify IP addresses, and attribute online activity. Covers legal process for obtaining subscriber and traffic data.

Lesson 2 • Digital Forensics Methodology

Establishes the forensic acquisition workflow that ensures evidence integrity from seizure through analysis. Applies scientific methodology to digital evidence handling.

Lesson 3 • Presenting Digital Evidence in Court

Prepares investigators to authenticate digital evidence and explain technical findings to non-technical audiences. Addresses common defense challenges to digital forensic methodology.

Lesson 4 • Computer and Mobile Device Examination

Covers file system analysis, deleted data recovery, and artifact extraction from computers and smartphones. Connects device artifacts to suspect activity timelines.

Lesson 1 • Investigative Report Writing

Develops clear, objective, and legally precise report writing that withstands prosecutorial and defense scrutiny. Reports are the primary vehicle for communicating investigative findings.

Lesson 2 • Case File Organization and Disclosure

Establishes systematic case file management that supports prosecution and meets disclosure obligations. Disorganized files create discovery violations and case dismissals.

Lesson 3 • Delivering Effective Testimony

Applies communication techniques for direct and cross-examination that convey findings accurately and persuasively. Addresses tactics used to undermine investigator credibility.

Lesson 4 • Arrest Warrant and Charging Affidavits

Teaches construction of probable cause affidavits that satisfy judicial review standards. Connects investigative findings to legal elements required for charging decisions.