Description:

This course provides an overview of forensic science by focusing on the current technologies police rely on to apprehend criminal perpetrators and to link them through trace evidence to crime scenes. Emphasis is on crime scene investigation, physical evidence, organic and inorganic analysis, forensic toxicology and use of DNA in investigations. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Explain the organizational structure of a police laboratory.
2. Recognize and explain the concept of probability as applied to forensics.
3. Define and explain significant concepts used to establish an identity.
4. Describe the role of the crime laboratory in criminal investigations.
5. Interpret comparison characteristics and their significance in the identification or elimination of clue material.
6. Identify tools and instruments used in the commission of crimes.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Describe Organization, Utilization, and Function of the Laboratory
   A. Organization
      1. List the various specialists and generalists and describe their
function.
      2. Explain what a dual role is.
      3. Discriminate between wet laboratory and dry laboratory.
      4. Cite the various support areas.
   B. Utilization
      1. Explain what is meant by flow of clue material.
      2. Describe the various systems uses of laboratory. 
      3. Explain what is meant by nonutilization.
      4. Define evidence submission decay curve.
      5. Explain the contribution of research in the field of forensics.
   C. Function
      1. Describe the function of the police.
      2. Describe the function of the courts.
      3. Describe the function of the criminal justice system as a whole.

II. Define the Following:
   A. The nature of identification
   B. Probability
   C. Individualization
   D. Comparison characteristics
   E. Identity vs. classification
   F. Class characteristics
   G. Reference points
   H. Elimination processes

III. Establishing an Identity
   A. Define friction ridges and tell why they are important.
   B. Cite what is meant by physical individuality.
   C. Tell how handwriting can be used as evidence.
   D. Explain what may be learned from chemical processing.
   E. List the types of evidence which may be lifted from wearing
apparel.
   F. Explain the procedure used for a physical comparison of materials.

IV. List and Describe the Following Instruments Involved in the Commission
of Crime:
   A. Instruments of mobility.
   B. Instruments to gain access.
   C. Instruments used to execute the crime.
   D. Instruments used to effect concealment.

V. Identify Comparison Characteristics and Their Significance
   A. Miscellaneous trace.
   B. Physical watch.
   C. Mutual transfer material.
   D. Various traces which may be carried from the scene.
   E. Evidence which may be found on glass.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Examinations              75% of grade
Projects and assignments  20% of grade
Class participation        5%  of grade
Total                    100%

Grade Criteria:

90 - 100% = A
80 -  89% = B
70 -  79% = C
65 -  69% = D
 0 -  64% = F

Caveats:

1. Students will need basic word processing and Internet searching skills for the completion of some papers, exercises and projects.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.