Title

CRJU2210 - Introduction to Criminalistics

API ID

Credits

3 (2/1/0)

Description

This is an introduction to the principles involved in the application of scientific and technical methods used in the discovery, review and evaluation of physical evidence. The interpretation of evidence and the linkage to suspects is also covered. Minnesota Police Officer Standards and Training Board learning objectives for collection and preservation of evidence are also covered.

Competencies

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the role that evidence plays in crime investigation.
  2. Demonstrate the skills needed in sketching, casting, and packaging evidence.
  3. Reconstruct a crime scene from photographs, sketches, and reports.
  4. Interpret firearms information from a crime scene.
  5. Develop latent fingerprints on a variety of surfaces using print powders, chemical processes, and cyanoacrylate ester.
  6. Evaluate blood evidence to determine movement and positioning of victims.
  7. Demonstrate the techniques and systematic practices used in the collection, recovery, preservation, and examination of tire, footwear, and toolmark impressions.
  8. Describe the principles and systematic practices used in specific document examination techniques.
  9. Recognize the different fingerprint pattern types and explain the rules for the core and axis placement.
  10. Relate the theory of body fluid identification.
  11. Demonstrate the basic techniques used in crime scene photography.
  12. Review specific learning objectives required by the Minnesota POST Board pertaining to evidence, evidence collection, field sobriety testing, chain of custody, crime scene documentation, and risks related to exposure to blood and airborne pathogens.