Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title POFS 2101: Crime Scene Processing

Catalog Description

Credits 2
Hours/Week 4 (4 lab)
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) Program Approval
Other requirements Peace Officer or Criminal Justice Major
MnTC Goals (if any) NA

Course Description

This course covers the responsibilities and duties of officers conducting a preliminary investigation of a crime scene. Topics include recognition, preservation, and recovery of physical evidence, crime scene photography, sketching and recovery of latent fingerprints. This course focuses on lab activities allowing students to develop skills relative to crime scene processing, evidence collection and presentation. In order to enroll in this course a student must have approval by a Minnesota Professional Peace Officer Education Program Coordinator and successful completion of psychological and physical exams. Completion Requirements: A minimum of a “C” grade will be required to pass this course.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

February, 2023

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Introduction to crime scene processing
  2. Evidence packaging and preservation
  3. Photographing and sketching the crime scene
  4. Latent fingerprint identification and collection
  5. Basic interview and interrogation techniques
  6. Practical application in a basic crime scene
  7. Arson Investigation
  8. Domestic Assaults
  9. Sexual Assaults
  10. Gangs

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Properly identify and package evidence and explain the chain of custody.
  2. Document a crime scene with photographs and a scale diagram.
  3. Identify, locate and lift latent prints.
  4. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of both interview and interrogation techniques.
  5. Apply all the learned techniques to a practical crime scene exercise.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

NA

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

None