(5 credits)
Criminal investigation is a critical duty at all levels of public and private law enforcement. Students in this course examine the integral tasks involved in such investigation through the examination of proper collection, tagging, and processing of evidence as well as the chain of custody. Students also learn how to assess a crime scene; interview and interrogate witnesses and suspects; and use informants and surveillance techniques in an investigation. Students also consider and discuss the codes of ethics to which investigators adhere as well as the impact of technological advancements on the future of criminal investigation.