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Criminal Justice

JUST 101 INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

A comprehensive study of the development of criminal justice systems and operations in the United States. Detailed examination, analysis and evaluations of the components of the system will receive major emphasis. Three hours lecture per week. Open to any student.

JUST 102 SECURITY I

Fall, 3 credit hours

This course is a comprehensive study of the history, development, and operations of security in the United States. It will also provide the foundation and impetus for improving the professional competence and image of the security industry. Security I will give students successfully completing this course the education, training, and skills necessary to understand the basics of security in the United States. Three hours lecture per week.

JUST 104 SECURITY II

Spring, 3 credit hours

This course is a comprehensive study of crime and the threat environment. This course will cover the Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Zones of Protection that involve a security officer. Also covered in this course are the numerous legal aspects associated with a security position and pursuing security as a career. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites: Security I (JUST 102) or permission of instructor.

JUST 105 CORRECTIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

A survey of the philosophy, theory, and practice involved in the treatment of convicted law violators of all ages within the institutional environment. This course provides an overview of the correctional field; its origins, development, current status, and future prospects. The role of corrections and its importance in the reduction and control of crime and recidivism is evaluated. Three hours lecture per week. Limited to Criminal Justice/Investigation students.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Criminal Justice (JUST 101) or permission of instructor.

JUST 110 CRIMINAL LAW

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

A study of the fundamentals of criminal law: i.e., actus reus, mens rea, distinctions between grades of offenses; criminal responsibility; and the substantive law. Three hours lecture per week. Limited to Criminal Justice/Investigation students.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Criminal Justice (JUST 101) or permission of instructor.

JUST 111 CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

A study of the laws of arrest, search and seizure. Other topics include electronic eavesdropping and surveillance as well as the use of informants. Three hours lecture per week. Limited to Criminal Justice/Investigation students.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Criminal Justice (JUST 101) or permission of instructor.

JUST 201 CRITICAL ISSUES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

A study of the economic, political, ethical and emotional issues in community policing, courts and corrections. Some of the issues covered are AIDS and criminal justice services, emotional stress and coping skills needed in criminal justice employment, understanding prejudices and functioning in a culturally- diverse society, plea bargaining and the death penalty. Three hours lecture per week. Limited to Criminal Justice/Investigation students.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Criminal Justice (JUST 101) or permission of instructor.

JUST 203 CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS

Spring, 3 credit hours

This course is designed to teach those skills and knowledge necessary to conduct thorough preliminary investigations of crimes. Techniques used to investigate common categories of crimes will be discussed. A major emphasis in this course will be the preparation and execution of investigative plans as they relate to a team approach. Other skills will include interviewing, crime scene processing, and basic forensic examination of evidence. Three hours lecture per week. Limited to Criminal Justice/Investigation students.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Criminal Justice (JUST 101) or permission of instructor.

JUST 205 CRIMINAL JUSTICE SEMINAR

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

As agreed to by the instructor and the student, the course may take one of two forms, either a practicum or library research. In the practicum format, the student engages in volunteer work with a criminal justice agency and attends weekly classroom seminars devoted to comparing theory with practical experience. In the research format, the student engages in library research in specialized criminal justice topics under the supervision of the instructor. The practicum and research culminate in either a paper, a classroom presentation or a classroom demonstration as deemed appropriate by the instructor. Time: Variable with the nature and content of the project.

JUST 207 POLICE SERVICES

Spring, 3 credit hours

A study of the services that police provide to a community along with the knowledge of how to effectively and efficiently perform such duties, including responsibilities, powers and duties of the uniformed patrolman, patrol procedures, field interrogations, mechanics of arrest, transportation of prisoners, crime prevention functions of the officer on patrol and police community relations. Three hours lecture per week. Limited to Criminal Justice/Investigation students.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Criminal Justice (JUST 101) or permission of instructor.

JUST 209 LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNICATIONS

Fall, 3 credit hours

This course will prepare students to write clear, accurate essays and grammatically correct police reports, and other writing assignments in accordance with the University’s Guidelines for Teaching Writing Intensive Courses. Other communications instruments, such as note taking, interviewing, spelling and court testimony will be addressed. Limited to Criminal Justice students. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Criminal Justice (JUST 101) or permission of instructor.

JUST 210 INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC INVESTIGATION

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course design will familiarize the students with crime scene evidence collection, documentation, and preservation, as well as various forensic techniques used by police officers and investigators. Related forensic disciplines will be applied to the criminal investigative process. Two hours lecture and two hours of laboratory per week.

Prerequisites/corequisites: Introduction to Criminal Justice (JUST 101) or permission of instructor.

JUST 211 DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF THE OFFENDER

Spring, 3 credit hours

This course introduces the student to diagnostic report writing with particular emphasis on the presentence investigation conducted by probation officers. Students are guided through a series of graduated steps toward production of a full-fledged assessment of offenders. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisite: Correctional Philosophy (JUST 105) or permission of instructor. Substitute for Law Enforcement Communications (JUST 209).

JUST 215 COMMUNITY-BASED CORRECTIONS

Spring, 3 credit hours

A study of the methods and philosophy current in probation. This course explores the role of the probation officer, the resources available in the community to aid the probationer and the counseling techniques appropriate for working with juvenile and adult clients. This course presents the role of the probation officer as a human service agent as well as functional part of the criminal justice system. Special emphasis will be placed upon developing communication skills aimed at creating an officer who contributes to the total social welfare and enhancement of human existence. Three hours lecture per week. Limited to Criminal Justice/Investigation students or permission of instructor.

JUST 216 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL FITNESS

Fall, 2 credit hours

Familiarization with police-related, self-defense tactics. One hour lecture, two hours laboratory per week.

JUST 218 CRIME PREVENTION

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course provides the basis for strategic planning for the prevention of crime. Cooperative relationships are stressed between law enforcement and the community. The various types of crime prevention theories are presented to students who in turn will conduct actual crime prevention surveys. Three hours lecture per week. Prerequisites: Introduction to Criminal Justice (JUST 101), sophomore level status, or permission of instructor.

JUST 221 WOMEN AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

A study of the female’s role in the criminal justice system. Some issues covered are women working in the fields of law enforcement, corrections, and the court system. The course will also cover female offenders, prisoners, victims and other related topics. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites: Students will have successfully completed 24 college credit hours, including Expository Writing (ENGL 101) or Oral and Written Expression (ENGL 102) and an intensive writing course, or by permission of instructor.

JUST 255 ORGANIZED CRIME

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course is designed to provide students with a definition of organized crime, its historical overview from the 18th century to present, and the theories behind why people become involved in organized crime. Topics will include the development of organized crime in the northeast and its westward migration;
nontraditional organized crime, the business enterprises of organized crime; the effect of organized crime in labor and business, and the affects of the media.

Prerequisites: Expository Writing (ENGL 101), or Oral & Written Expression
(ENGL 102) and sophomore status, or permission of instructor.

JUST 300 FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY AND LABORATORY

Fall, 3 credit hours

Introduction to basic techniques, equipment, material and other aspects of crime scene photographs. This course will provide theory and practice of photographic image formation and recordings. Laboratory exercises will be conducted with “hands-on” instruction with emphasis on homicide, sex offenses, arson and accident photograph techniques. Ten hours lecture, ten hours laboratory per week for three weeks.

Prerequisites: junior level status in the Criminal Investigation program or permission of instructor.

JUST 301 LATENT PRINTS AND IMPRESSIONS

Fall, 3 credit hours

Introduction to the biological development of fingerprints and identification of the various fingerprint patterns. Lectures and laboratory practicums will include physical and chemical development of fingerprints, crime scene processing techniques, the Henry System of fingerprint classification, and the comparison and identification of suspect fingerprints through manual and automated means. Ten hours lecture, ten hours laboratory per week for three weeks.

Prerequisites: junior level status in the Criminal Investigation program or permission of instructor.

JUST 303 INTERVIEWS& INTERROGATIONS

Fall, 3 credits hours

This course will provide students with proven techniques which apply to both accusatory and non-accusatory interviews. Students will develop skills in preparing for the interview and interrogation with emphasis on planning and strategies. Students will train via videotaped practicums of mock interviews and interrogations in the interrogation room. Course includes latest information on the legal aspects of interrogation and admissibility of confessions. Ten hours lecture, ten hours laboratory per week for three weeks.

Prerequisites: junior level status in the Criminal Investigation program or permission of instructor.

JUST 304 NARCOTICS INVESTIGATIONS

Spring, 3 credit hours

This course is designed to familiarize students with commonly abused controlled substance, both legal and illegal. This course will emphasize the Controlled Substance Act of 1974, causes, symptoms, recognition and effects of substance abuse. Students will receive instruction in surveillance techniques, search and seizure issues, arrest issues, mission planning, including controlled buys, sting and raid operations; developing and managing informants; interview/interrogation techniques; clandestine laboratories; investigative aids; inter-agency operations; and case preparation for court testimony. Students will execute practical exercises demonstrating proficiency. Ten hours lecture; ten hours laboratory per week.

Prerequisites: junior level status in the Criminal Investigation program or permission of the instructor.

JUST 306 ARSON INVESTIGATION

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

An analysis of incendiary fire investigation from the viewpoint of the field investigator, with an emphasis on the value of various aids and techniques in the detention of arson, collection and preservation of evidence, investigation, interrogation, related laws of arson, court appearance and testimony. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites: junior level status in the Criminal Investigation program, Forensic Photography (JUST 300), or permission of instructor.

JUST 308 VEHICLE ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION

Spring, 3 credit hours

This course provides the student with the investigative methods of processing a motor vehicle accident. The student will learn about locating, recording, and interpreting evidence resulting from accidents. Practicums will include mock motor vehicle accident scenes. Ten hours lecture, ten hours laboratory per week for three weeks.

Prerequisites: junior level status in the Criminal Investigation program or permission of instructor.

JUST 310 THE CAUSES OF CRIME

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

Various criminological theories are presented to explain the cause of criminal behavior. The history of crime and punishment will be reviewed, leading to the present day criminal justice system. Statistical data will be used to demonstrate the usefulness or fallacies of crime reporting and surveys. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Criminal Justice (JUST 101), junior level status, or permission of instructor.

JUST 314 SOCIETAL ETHICS AND CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course will provide the student with theories and practices of ethics and professionalism in criminal justice. Public perceptions and expectations of law enforcement will also be addressed. Areas of concentration will be criminal investigations, corrections, courts and criminal justice policymaking. This course will require the student to exercise critical thinking skills to solve issues that test the morals and ethics of criminal justice professionals on a daily basis. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites: junior level status in the Criminal Investigation program or permission of instructor.

JUST 315 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW

Fall, 3 credit hours

An examination of the principles and processes of the American judicial system, constitutional issues defining the relationship between law enforcement and the people, civil rights and liberties, the powers of Congress, federalism and the role of the chief executive. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Government (POLS 101) or Introduction to Criminal Justice (JUST 101), junior level status, or permission of instructor.

JUST 320 MEDICOLEGAL INVESTIGATIONS OF DEATH

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course provides an in-depth look into the medicolegal aspect of death investigation. The manners, mechanisms, and causes of death are explored, as well as the postmortem changes. Wound interpretation is explored. The student will learn how to apply postmortem conditions to criminal investigations to confirm or refute evidence of wrongful deaths. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Criminal Justice (JUST 101), junior level status, or permission of instructor.

JUST 330 QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

An examination of techniques to determine the authenticity of documents through the analysis of handwriting, ink and paper sources, methods of mechanical printing, and the recovery of erasures, obliterations and alterations. Ten hours lecture, ten hours laboratory per week for three weeks.

Prerequisites: junior level status in the Criminal Investigation program or permission of instructor.

JUST 340 LEGAL ISSUES OF THE PENAL SYSTEMS

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

An examination of the problems and issues of the American penal system including the history of confinement as punishment, issues of visitation, religion, legal assistance, prison discipline, rehabilitation, and the civil and criminal liabilities of corrections officials. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Criminal Justice (JUST 101) and Correctional Philosophy (JUST 105), junior level status or permission of instructor.

JUST 345 COMPARATIVE JUSTICE SYSTEMS

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

An examination of crime as a world problem, consideration of the different ways justice systems are organized, comparison of the rights of offenders and an analysis of substantive and procedural law in different legal traditions, and an examination of multi-national efforts to address specific trans-border criminal activity. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Government (POLS 101) or Introduction to Criminal Justice (JUST 101), junior level status, or permission of instructor.

JUST 350 FAMILY VICTIMIZATION

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

A study of the various issues involved in family victimization. Victimology, as well as the study of offenders, will be central themes while studying child abuse, spouse abuse, and abuse of the elderly. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Criminal Justice (JUST 101), junior level status, or permission of instructor.

JUST 406 CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

Fall, 3 credits hours

This course is designed to familiarize the student with the collection of physical evidence at the scene of the crime. The course will emphasize the crime scene search, the recognition of physical evidence, the techniques and methods for collection, preservation and transmission for laboratory analysis of visible and latent evidence, and the courtroom presentation of the investigator’s actions at the crime scene. Ten hours lecture, ten hours laboratory per week for three weeks.

Prerequisites: junior level status, Forensic Photography and Laboratory (JUST 300) and Latent Prints and Impressions (JUST 301), or permission of instructor.

JUST 408 THE INVESTIGATION OF DEATH

Fall, 3 credit hours

This is the capstone course for the Criminal Investigation curriculum, requiring skills learned in earlier upper-level courses. An in-depth study of the art and science of homicide investigation including the first responding officer’s duties, the preliminary investigation at the scene, processing the scene, interviews and interrogations, the autopsy, case management, and court testimony. This course is designed to increase the capability of the experienced law enforcement officer in homicide investigations. For the inexperienced, the course will familiarize the participant with homicide investigation methods. Ten hours lecture, ten hours laboratory per week for three weeks.

Prerequisites/Corequisites: senior level status, and all 300 level Criminal Investigation courses or permission of instructor.

JUST 410 CLANDESTINE GRAVES

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course presents students with the theories and practices of locating clandestine graves. Lecture addresses grave assessments, the use of experts, evidence recognition and preservation, and case studies. Labs will include grave location, excavation, and recovery techniques. Ten hours lecture and ten hours laboratory per week/three week class.

Prerequisites: senior level status, or permission of instructor.

JUST 429 INTRODUCTION TO CULMINATING EXPERIENCE SEMINAR

Fall, 1 credit hour

This course is designed as the precursor to the Senior Culminating Experience for seniors in the Criminal Investigation, BT program. Seniors will meet on a weekly basis with faculty to discuss resume preparation, job interviewing, locating and establishing internships, and internship requirements. This course is a prerequisite to Culminating Experience in Criminal Justice (JUST 430). One hour lecture, discussion, internship preparation review per week.

Prerequisites: junior level status; all upper level Criminal Investigation courses, except Crime Scene Investigation (JUST 406), Investigation of Death (JUST 408), Societal Ethics and Criminal Investigations (JUST 314) and Narcotics Investigation (JUST 304); or permission of instructor.

JUST 430 CULMINATING EXPERIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Spring, 15 credit hours

With consent of the department chair, this course is a monitored field placement with selected federal, state or local criminal justice investigative units or forensic science laboratories subject to academic guidance and review. Forty hours per week. Prerequisites: all required CI curriculum courses.

JUST 435 SENIOR PROJECT

Spring, 3-15 credit hours

This course is designed as a substitute for Culminating Experience in Criminal Justice (JUST 430). Students who are a police officer not requiring a culminating experience will complete a senior research project specifically addressing issues in the criminal justice arena. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, the student will submit a research proposal, conduct research, prepare a thesis style paper, and present a defense to a thesis committee. This course is also offered to students who have displayed a specific hardship procuring or performing an internship. Students may request, in writing, to complete a senior project subject to approval by the Department Chair.

Prerequisite: All required CI curriculum courses or permission of Department Chair.

JUST 291-295, 391-395, OR 491-495 SPECIAL TOPICS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Fall/Spring, 1-4 credit hours

Special Topics in Criminal Justice will generally include topics of current interest or topics not covered in courses currently offered by the department or in combinations not currently available.