Final CRJU 350 Principles of Investigations and Reporting

General Instructions:  This is an open notes test.  You may use any notes you take in class or while studying.  You may not use any books.  You should be prepared to answer all five questions; however, only two will be chosen by the instructor.  You will need a large blue book and must answer BOTH of the questions assigned on the day of the final.  You are graded on sourcing, writing skills, analytical thinking and general knowledge of the subject.  Your paper must be legible.

1.       Discuss the development of the modern day detective. Consider the historical development of the detective.  How have changes in government, science social research and the community affected the development of the detective?  An outstanding answer will incorporate several chapters of the Gilbert book and lecture notes

2.       Discuss at least ten different forensic science applications in criminal investigations.  What types of sciences are used?  How have specific scientific applications influenced criminal investigations?  An outstanding answer will incorporate numerous chapters from the Gilbert book and lecture notes

3.       Discuss the police report writing process.  At a minimum, look at interviewing, documenting crime scenes, gathering evidence, follow-up reporting and the specific requirements of a solid police report.  What legal and ethical issues surround police reports?  An outstanding answer will incorporate information from the Gilbert book, the Biggs book and lecture notes.

4.       Discuss crime scenes.  Define them and discuss why they are important.  Look at measures that are taken to protect and document the crime scene.  What scientific theories and legal issues make crime scene protection, documentation and investigation critical to criminal prosecution.  An outstanding answer will incorporate the Gilbert book, the Biggs book and lecture notes.

5.       Imagine you are investigator.  Pick two types of crimes (for instance, homicide, sexual assault, online crimes, robbery, burglary or narcotics investigations).  How would you investigate each?  What are the differences between the two?  What are the similarities.  An outstanding answer will incorporate the Gilbert book, Biggs book and lecture notes.

Notes on Studying:

1.       Yes, you can form groups and study. 

2.       You can email me questions about the final and I

          will cover the answer in class – that way everyone 

          will benefit.

3.       You can see me during office hours (both virtual

          and online) with questions.

4.       I will answer questions in class.

5.       I will conduct a complete course review, centering

          on these five questions on the last schedule day of

          class.

6.       Hint:  Save yourself some time….conduct an analysis of the questions now.  How are they similar?  What cross currents and themes do you see?