CRIJ 5344 Crime Scene Processing

This course focuses on the processing of evidence at a crime scene. Topics include searching and identifying evidence at crime scenes, crime scene photography and other evidence documentation methods, evidence collection procedures, and preserving a chain of custody for crime scene evidence. Course includes mock crime scene processing. In addition to mastering foundational crime scene processing skills, graduate students enrolled in this course will take on the role of Lead Crime Scene Investigator, assuming supervisory responsibilities during laboratory exercises and mock scene simulations. Graduate students will be expected to evaluate procedural decisions, justify methods using current forensic science research and national standards, and produce command-level documentation beyond the basic field worksheets. A final research or policy analysis paper will connect practical scene work to contemporary debates, evolving protocols, or gaps in forensic investigative practice.