Forensic Investigations
Certificate Program Type: Advanced. Requires minimum of an AA degree in Criminal Justice or completion of all prerequisites prior to program start
Forensic investigators research crime scenes, criminals and evidence. They play a critical role in the prosecution of criminals and resolution of crimes. From basic tasks to complex ones Forensic Investigators handle delicate specimens and can significantly contribute to the success of an investigation.
CRJ320: Forensic Investigation
Credit: 3
Prerequisite: CRJ200
This is an introductory course to criminalistics which explores the history and scope of forensic science. Criminalistics, or forensic science, is the application of science to those criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system. The scope of this course includes discovery of a crime scene, the most important location of evidence, physical evidence, analytical techniques for organic and inorganic materials, forensic toxicology firearms, ammunition, unique tool marks and various impressions (e.g., shoe prints, fabric properties, and bloodstains).
CRJ325: Advanced Criminal Investigation I
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: CRJ210
This course presents the fundamentals of criminal investigation and their application to the more important felonies. It will also help the student to understand how detective work should be performed and to demystify the investigative process. Since criminal investigation must be conducted within the framework of our democratic system, those U.S. Supreme Court decisions that affect the investigative function are quoted extensively. In this course, students will find that the ability to conduct inquiries is learned by studying the investigative process.
CRJ350: Homicide Investigation I
Credit: 3
Prerequisite: CRJ210
The purpose of this course is to equip the criminal justice student with a complete and practical set of methods for processing a homicide. The textbook has been called "The Bible of Homicide Investigation" and provides the most practical and conventional information available to detectives responsible for conducting intelligent investigations into violent and sudden death. Experienced homicide investigators will find this textbook (based on 40 years of law enforcement experience) to be an indispensable and valuable long-term resource.
CRJ451: Homicide Investigation II
Credit: 3
Prerequisite: CRJ350
This course is the second part of homicide investigation with CRJ 350 Homicide Investigation I as the prerequisite course. The purpose of this course is to equip the criminal justice student with a complete and practical set of procedures and techniques that are needed after the homicide scene has been processed. The student proceeds through the follow-on work necessary to prepare a solid case for presentation in court and the attainment of a homicide conviction.
CRJ465:Clandestine Laboratory Investigation
Credit: 3
Prerequisite: CRJ210
The investigation of clandestine labs is one of the most challenging issues of law enforcement. Traditional investigative techniques are used to develop information concerning the location of the lab and the identity of the operator. No other law enforcement activity relies on forensic experts as heavily as does the investigation of clandestine labs. This course explores the many people involved in identifying the clandestine lab, the proper collection and preservation of the physical evidence, followed by the complete analysis of the evidentiary samples. It reveals how the forensic expert's opinion gives the Court the information it needs to make a fully informed decision.
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Military

AAU provides more than just an education. We provide an encouraging learning environment that meets the unique needs of today's service members and their families.
- 100% Online
- Military Tuition Assistance/MyCAA Accepted
- Maximum Allowable Transfer Credit for ACE Recommended Military Training and Credit-by-Examination
- Available Worldwide
- Self-Paced, Supportive
- Textbook Grant


Military

AAU provides more than just an education. We provide an encouraging learning environment that meets the unique needs of today's service members and their families.
- 100% Online
- Military Tuition Assistance/MyCAA Accepted
- Maximum Allowable Transfer Credit for ACE Recommended Military Training and Credit-by-Examination
- Available Worldwide
- Self-Paced, Supportive
- Textbook Grant


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