CSI (CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION) BASICS

Program Overview

This course uses computer simulation software (included) and traditional educational methods to provide an understanding of the scientific theory as well as the actual practices and techniques used to process a crime scene.

The student will learn how crime scene professionals protect themselves and preserve evidence at a crime scene. They will also learn techniques law enforcement professionals execute at the scene of a crime. The course describes the many types of evidence and how evidence is collected and secured before being processed by a crime lab.

Program Objective
Students will use a computer-based simulation to process two virtual crime scenes. The software will evaluate how accurately and effectively the student processed the scenes of the crimes. The CSI LabSim manual also includes supplemental DVD-based lectures.

Students are required to have Internet access and a Windows® based PC, Pentium® III operating Windows® XP or newer.

Program Outline

Your certificate consists of a step-by-step process through Crime Scene Investigation techniques.

Here's how it works: Your course material will be sent immediately after your enrollment has been accepted.

You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows®-based computer (running Windows Vista or later) and the Internet in order to complete your program with the Continuing Education Center.

You will complete the following courses in the order indicated to earn your Crime Scene Investigation Certificate.

CJS 210 - Crime Scene Investigation Basics

Lesson 1 - Basics of CSI
Students will be able to explain the objective of crime scene investigation and the basic approaches used to accomplish that objective. This lesson also covers the nature of evidence, the objectives of evidence documentation, and the concepts of evidence processing methodology.

Lesson 2 - Crime Scene Assessment and Documentation
This lesson will discuss the importance of preserving scene integrity and preventing evidence contamination. Students will also learn how to manage access to a crime scene, define crime scene search patterns, and describe the categories of photographic evidence. This lesson also provides in-depth coverage of crime scene documentation including the concept of triangulation, video record keeping, and techniques for taking crime scene notes.

Lesson 3 - Processing Skills and Techniques
This segment of the course describes the skills and techniques used to obtain meaningful evidence at the crime scene. Students learn how to incorporate alternative light sources, the reason and process for superglue fuming, the advantages of metallic powders, and how to cast impressions with dental stone. Students also learn about gelatin lifters, the basic steps of bloodstain pattern analysis, and the basic concepts of ballistics.

Lesson 4 - Special Scene Analysis and Reconstruction
This portion of the course covers the processing techniques necessary for special crime scenes and how to reconstruct a crime scene. Students learn about crime scenes involving fire and how the fire-fighting process affects evidence. Students will also learn the steps of the scientific method and event analysis.

Lesson 5 - Crime Scene Lab Activity
Students will use the LabSim software to process two virtual crime scenes; a date-rape and a domestic homicide. The computer simulation evaluates the student’s ability to thoroughly and accurately collect and catalog the evidence associated with the crime scenes.

Textbook: Practical Crime Scene Processing
Computer-Based Lab: CSI LabSim Manual

Online Library and Librarian
Students in the Continuing Education Center have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and to assist students in research activities during their studies with the Continuing Education Center.

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.

A High School Diploma or GED is required to enroll in this program.

Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.

Pentium is a trademark of Intel Corporation and its subsidiaries registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.