Course Objectives
To develop advanced knowledge of investigation techniques, legal aspects of investigation, crime scene management, physical evidence handling, interrogation, interviewing, and specialized forensic disciplines.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge regarding:
- CLO1: Apply advanced investigation techniques and understand legal aspects (Penal Code, CrPC, Evidence Act, FIR, search and seizure).
- CLO2: Understand interrogation and interviewing techniques, methods, and ethical boundaries.
- CLO3: Implement crime scene management procedures and processes.
- CLO4: Understand physical evidence value, rules of evidence, and forensic testimony in court.
- CLO5: Understand impression evidence (fingerprints, footprints, tool marks) and ballistics.
- CLO6: Grasp the principles of Forensic Biology (DNA/Serology), Pathology (Autopsy), Toxicology, Computing (cyber forensics), and Document examination.
Syllabus & Lecture Details
| Lecture | Topics / Contents | CLOs |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Criminal Investigation Overview: Evolution, investigative processes, features, management, and resource allocation. | CLO1 |
| 2 | Legal Aspects of Investigation: Penal Code, CrPC, Evidence Act, FIRs, and search and seizure warrants. | CLO1 |
| 3 | Assignment / Presentation 1 | - |
| 4 | Interviewing Techniques: Methods, models (e.g. PEACE), and ethical issues in police interviews. | CLO2 |
| 5 | Interrogation Techniques: Methods, psychological dynamics, and ethical boundaries in interrogation. | CLO2 |
| 6 | Mid-term Examination | - |
| 7 | Crime Scene Management: Processing crime scenes, evidence collection, and legal chain of custody. | CLO3 |
| 8 | Forensic Science and Physical Evidence: Categories of evidence, forensic lab systems, and courtroom presentation. | CLO4 |
| 9 | Impression Evidence: Fingerprints (patterns, recovery), footprints, tire marks, and bite marks. | CLO5 |
| 10 | Assignment / Presentation 2 | - |
| 11 | Trace & Ballistics Evidence: Microanalysis samples, firearm analysis, ammunition, and handling firearm evidence. | CLO5 |
| 12 | Forensic Biology: Biological evidence, serology, bloodstains, and DNA inheritance / DNA typing. | CLO6 |
| 13 | Forensic Pathology: Death investigation system, autopsy procedures, and inquiries into suspicious/unnatural death in Bangladesh. | CLO6 |
| 14 | Forensic Toxicology & Digital Forensics: Toxicology sampling, electronic crime scene investigation, and questioned documents. | CLO6 |
Quick Course Data
Credit points
4 Credits
Course Type
Elective
Guided Self-Study
22 Hours
Assessment & Evaluation
Class Attendance & Participation5%
Writing Assignments10%
Mid-Term Exam15%
Presentation10%
Final Exam60%
Recommended Readings
- Charles R. Swanson, Neil C. Chamelin & Leonard Territo (1992) - Criminal Investigation, McGraw-Hill
- Michael J. Palmiotto (2013) - Criminal Investigation, 4th Edition, CRC Press
- Ross M. Gardner (2012) - Practical Crime Scene Processing and Investigation, CRC Press
- Henry C. Lee, Timothy M. Palmbach & Marilyn T. Miller (2001) - Henry Lee’s Crime Scene Handbook, Elsevier
- Mark Fallen (2017) - Unjustifiable Means, Regan Arts
- Stuart H. James, Jon J. Nordby & Suzanne Bell (2014) - Forensic Science, CRC Press