SAULT COLLEGE OF APPLIED ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY

SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO

COURSE OUTLINE

COURSE TITLE: Evidence and Investigation
CODE NO. : OEL834    
PROGRAM: Police Foundations
AUTHOR: James Euale
DATE: September 2001 PREVIOUS OUTLINE DATED: 09/00
TOTAL CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITE(S): None
HOURS/WEEK:

3/hrs/week
15 weeks

Copyright ©2002 The Sault College of Applied Arts & Technology
Reproduction of this document by any means, in whole or in part, without priorwritten permission of Sault College of Applied Arts & Technology is prohibited.
For additional information, please contact Judi Maundrell, Dean
School of Health, Human Services and Criminal Justice
(705) 759-2554, Ext. 690

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:

In this course students will examine the requirements of a continuing investigation. They will learn the rules of evidence and develop the ability to apply said rules in the collection and presentation of evidence in a court of law. Forensic requirements, statute law and other related issues will be emphasized.


II. LEARNING OUTCOMES AND ELEMENTS OF THE PERFORMANCE:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will demonstrate the ability to:

  1. Select the appropriate form of evidence.
    1. list the common forms of evidence available
    2. identify probative value of the various kinds of evidence
    3. select the evidence appropriate for the situation
  2. Collect and preserve evidence within the forensic requirements.
    1. describe crime scene procedures used for securing, searching, recording, collecting, and preserving evidence
    2. comply with provincial, civil, and criminal law and use rules of evidence to guide investigation and interactions and to ensure admissibility of evidence
    3. describe technological and scientific advances used for investigating and preparing cases for court presentation
    4. adhere to statutes governing police authority and power

  3. Carry out an investigation in ways that support the relationship.
    1. between the investigator, the crime detention laboratory and other participants in the criminal justice system
    2. use appropriate, concise, relevant, and comprehensive terminology to interact with peers, supervisors, other professionals, victims, suspects/offenders, and the public
    3. use communication strategies, techniques, and language to meet the needs of an individual or group
    4. assist groups to identify shared goals and to create, implement, and evaluate action plans to accomplish these goals
    5. describe technological and scientific advances used for investigating and preparing cases for court presentation
    6. assess the liaison among police services, other participants in the criminal justice system, and community agencies
  4. Interpret and apply the basic rules of evidence as per case and statute law.
    1. apply provincial and federal standards, regulations, and rules of professional conduct
    2. comply with provincial, civil, and criminal law and use rules of evidence to guide investigation and interactions, and to ensure admissibility of evidence
    3. testify in a professional manner
    4. adhere to courtroom procedures and practices when testifying in court and in case presentations
  5. Present various kinds of evidence admissible in simulated criminal proceedings.
    1. adhere to courtroom procedures and practices when testifying in court and in case presentations
    2. testify in a professional manner
    3. prepare court documents that elaborate on the significant elements of a case and adhere to rules of disclosure
    4. comply with provincial, civil, and criminal law and use rules of evidence to guide investigation and interactions, and to ensure admissibility of evidence

How learners might demonstrate their learning achievement of course learning outcomes:

Case Study analysis, Tests/Exams, Role playing

Critical Knowledge
and Skills

Suggested Resources

Suggested Learning
Activities

  1. Forensic Requirements
  2. Introduction of evidence in compliance with rules or evidence (court related)
  3. Knowledge and understanding of what the Crime Detection Laboratory (CDL) can do for the investigator
  4. What investigators responsibilities are in working with CDL

Salhany, Rodger E. A Practical Guide to Evidence in Criminal Cases, Carswell

Arcaro, Gino, Criminal Investigation - Forming Reasonable Grounds, McGraw-Hill Ryerson

 


III. TOPICS:

  1. Concepts of Crime
  2. Theories of Crime Causation
  3. Crime Typologies
  4. Crimes of Power
  5. Public Order Crimes


IV. REQUIRED RESOURCES/TEXTS/MATERIALS:

Euale, Martin, Rock and Sadek, Principles of Evidence for Policing. Emond Montgomery Publications Ltd.

Martins Criminal Code, Current Edition

CD


V. EVALUATION PROCESS/GRADING SYSTEM:

Two online quizzes

2 x 10%

Midterm online test

20%

Written final test (proctored)

60%

Minimum passing grade at Sault College is 60%. Your home college will determine your letter grade.


VI. SPECIAL NOTES:

Special Needs:
If you are a student with special needs (e.g. physical limitations, visual impairments, hearing impairments, or learning disabilities), you are encouraged to discuss required accommodations with your instructor and/or the Special Needs office. Visit Room E1204 or call Extension 493, 717, or 491 so that support services can be arranged for you.

Retention of course outlines:
It is the responsibility of the student to retain all course outlines for possible future use in acquiring advanced standing at other postsecondary institutions.

Plagiarism:
Students should refer to the definition of "academic dishonesty" in Student Rights and Responsibilities. Students who engage in "academic dishonesty" will receive an automatic failure for that submission and/or such other penalty, up to and including expulsion from the course/program, as may be decided by the professor/dean. In order to protect students from inadvertent plagiarism, to protect the copyright of the material referenced, and to credit the author of the material, it is the policy of the department to employ a documentation format for referencing source material.

Course outline amendments:
The Professor reserves the right to change the information contained in this course outline depending on the needs of the learner and the availability of resources.

Substitute course information is available in the Registrar's office.


VII. PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT: (PLA)

Students who wish to apply for advanced credit in the course should consult the professor. Credit for prior learning will be given upon successful completion of a challenge exam or portfolio.


VIII. DIRECT CREDIT TRANSFERS:
Students who wish to apply for direct credit transfer (advanced standing) should obtain a direct credit transfer form from the Dean's secretary. Students will be required to provide a transcript and course outline related to the course in question.