LAWE2285 Crime Scene and Evidence
This course will include instruction in the areas of Search and Seizure, Booking and Fingerprinting, Crime Scene Investigations, Latent Prints, Courtroom Testimony, Evidence Collection and Preservation.
Prerequisite
Admission into the Law Enforcement Program
Course Requirements and Evaluation
Refer to Course Syllabus for detailed information regarding the requirements and evaluation standards for this course. The Course Syllabus will be distributed the first week of the course.
Learning Outcomes
The following outcomes will be addressed in the course:
Demonstrate the ability to write factual, concise and complete reports
Explain overall importance of police reports and their use in the criminal justice system
Demonstrate the procedures in courtroom testimony
Demonstrate techniques used in the management of a crash scene
Demonstrate the ability to process a crime scene
Demonstrate the ability to collect latent prints
Demonstrate interview techniques for crime victims and witnesses
Explain the importance of when to obtain a warrant at crime scenes
Demonstrate procedures for collecting and preserve different types of evidence
Minnesota POST Board Learning Objectives:
3.3.1 Describe the relationship between good report writing and testimony.
3.3.2 Demonstrate proper courtroom dress and decorum.
3.3.3 Practice preparing for and presenting true and factual testimony in legal proceedings in accordance
with courtroom procedure.
3.3.4 Practice managing cross examination and attempts to discredit.
3.5.1 Describe appropriate protective gear that may be needed when collecting and processing evidence.
3.5.2 Identify various types of evidence, i.e., blood and biological, weapons, explosives and arson related
evidence, hair and fiber, impressions, fingerprints, documents, clothing.
3.5.3 Describe risks associated with contamination of evidence.
3.5.4 Demonstrate proper preservation, collection, processing, storage, and chain of custody procedures
for a variety of types of evidence, i.e., fingerprints, DNA, shoe/tire impressions, blood spatter.
3.5.5 Demonstrate proper evidence documenting techniques, i.e. note taking, field sketching and/or
photographing/videoing.
3.5.6 Discuss the impact of new or emerging technologies on crime scene evidence collection and
investigation.
3.5.7 Recognize, secure and protect technical evidence at a crime scene, i.e. computers, phones, cameras,
surveillance equipment.
3.5.8 Explain the impact of the Electronic Communication Privacy Act and other pertinent case law on the
collection of technological evidence.
3.5.9 Discuss the importance of information obtained from electronic devices in crimes including:
pornography, economic fraud, e-mail threats, extortion, gambling, identity theft, narcotics,
prostitution, software piracy, and telecommunications fraud.
3.6.1 Practice responding to a variety of requests for service including: receiving and comprehending
information to and from dispatcher, demonstrating safe vehicle positioning where applicable based on
type of call and information available, observing and conducting initial assessment upon arrival at the
scene for safety concerns and useful information, using active listening and clear oral communication
skills, identifying victims, witnesses and suspects, taking statements and conducting initial
interviews, making reasonable decisions based on a reasonable interpretation of observations and
circumstances, and determining what additional services might be called in, e.g., EMS, Social Services.
3.6.2 Demonstrate how to safely and properly secure and protect a crime scene.
3.6.3 Given a crime scene, determine if there is enough evidence to provide probable cause for a search or
arrest warrant and fill out the appropriate form(s) to obtain the warrant.
3.6.4 Request search or arrest warrants where appropriate. Explain the risks to peace officers related to
exposure to blood and airborne pathogens, and the proper use of preventive equipment and
procedures to reduce risks. Explain the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
required methods of control and the protective equipment available to reduce the risk of exposure of
blood and airborne pathogens. Explain and/or demonstrate post-exposure procedures and treatment
practices. Explain post-exposure reporting requirements.
3.14.12 Discuss investigation and evidence collection techniques specifically related to homicide, suicide,
accidental and natural death scenes.
3.14.36 Explain the terms flashover and backdraft and the risks associated with flames, heat, smoke, toxic
gasses and explosions at fire scenes.
3.14.37 Describe the crime of arson, the common evidence used in differentiating between arson caused fire
and other causes, and the importance of securing and protecting evidence at fire scenes.
3.14.38 Discuss responsibilities and safety concerns relative to peace officer response to fire scenes and the
different roles and responsibilities of officers, fire fighters and representatives of the fire marshal’s
office.
3.14.39 Explain how to use a fire extinguisher on various types of fires.
3.14.40 Explain the basic principles of hazardous materials as defined by Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) and the Emergency Response Guide Book published by the U.S.
Department of Transportation.
3.14.41 Identify some resources for responding to hazardous materials incidents, i.e., fire department,
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Department of Homeland Security and Emergency
Management (HSEM), and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s (BCA’s) Emergency
Communications Center for State level assistance and notification.
3.14.42 Explain the purpose of hazardous materials placards and the significance of their shapes, color,
symbols and texts.
3.14.43 Identify some common hazardous materials placards and where they are commonly located.
3.14.44 Given scenarios involving hazardous materials describe and/or demonstrate basic incident
management skills including: recognizing and identifying common hazardous materials or hazardous
materials placards, and taking situationally appropriate safety precautions and reasonable actions
including maintaining a safe distance, clearing the area and making referrals and notifications.
3.14.45 Identify the appearance of some explosives and incendiary devices, i.e., commercial explosives,
military ordinances, improvised explosive devices (IED’s), fireworks, and lack powder explosives.
3.14.46 Explain the function of the bomb squad.
3.14.47 Explain and/or demonstrate safety precautions and situationally reasonable actions in response to
reports of bomb threats and suspicious objects including: when to clear an area and call in the bomb
squad, procedures to be followed when searching buildings and property to locate explosive devices
and materials, and risks associated with secondary devices and booby traps.
Text and References
A list of textbooks required for this course is available at the bookstore.
Course Scheduling
The scheduled hours of instruction include sixteen hours for each lecture credit, thirty two hours for each lab credit and forty hours for each credit of supervised occupational experience (SOE). Lecture credit may include formal or impromptu lectures, demonstrations or discussions with the entire class or with small groups or individuals. Refer to the Course Credits section of this syllabus for the credit breakdown.
Accommodations Statement
Hennepin Technical College offers reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities. If you have a documented disability that may require accommodations, contact the college’s Disability Services Director: Sara Laviolette at Brooklyn Park (763-488-2477) or Jean Kreutter at Eden Prairie (952-995-1544).
Campus
Brooklyn Park Campus: 952-995-1300
Credit Details