Course Outline

Faculty of Management & Social Sciences

COURSE CODE (ID): CRIM3025
COURSE TITLE: CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
CREDITS: 3
SECTION:
COURSE MODALITY:
COURSE MODALITY ☐ Synchronous ☐ Asynchronous ☐ N/A
TYPE:
COURSE LECTURER Allysa Pariente, MSc.
PROGRAM: BCJC
SEMESTER: 2025-2
CLASS MEETING TIMES
CLASS VENUE:
COMMUNICATION ☐ Zoom ☒ Google Meet ☐ N/A
TOOL:
COURSE PLATFORM: ☒ MOODLE ☐ Google Classroom ☐ N/A
PRE-REQUISITES: CJCY1014, CJCY3105

CO-REQUISITES: None
FIELD TRIP(S): ☐ Yes ☒ No
OFFICE LOCATION:
OFFICE/VIRTUAL
HOURS:
TELEPHONE: 501-611-1135
E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]
 RESOURCES: Karen M. Hess, Christine Hess Orthmann, Henry Lim – Criminal
investigation – Cengage Learning (2022).

Kavita Saini, Swaroop S.Sonone, Mahipal Singh Sankhla, Naveen

Kumar – Artificial intelligence in Forensic Science – Changing
Technology in Criminal Investigations.
REQUIRED: Charles R. Swanson – Criminal Investigation – McGraw – Hill
Education (2019).

Other Resources

Course Description: Prerequisites: CJCY1014, CJCY1035

This course provides an introduction to the procedures, tools and/or activities used by criminal
investigators preceding the commission of crime through follow- up investigations and court
appearances. It explores crime prevention, interviewing witnesses and suspects, interrogation,
collection and preservation of physical evidence for forensic analysis, crime scene analysis.

Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs)

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Discuss the evolution of the investigative process from England to America
2. Identify the goals of criminal investigation
3. Examine the types and stages of criminal investigation
4. cuss the nature of crime related evidence, challenges associated with these
5. Describe the potential for errors due to mental/cognitive processes when working with crime related
evidence
6. Examine the nature of the criminal investigation process and its relationship with the Justice System
7. Differentiate between major categories of evidence and their legal uses
8. Categorize types of evidence used to establish proof
9. Describe the purpose, extent and function of each type of evidence
10. Identify required characteristics of evidence for the courts
11. Describe the legal rules for handling, collecting and processing evidence
12. Examine management, uses, functions of physical evidence in criminal investigations
13. Discuss the procedures of processing the crime scene’
14. Describe types of witnesses and their identification methods
15. Examine eye witness identifications as proof
16. Examine the nature of, and assess, methods of interrogation
17. Analyse contributing factors to false confessions
18. Examine the use of crime scene characteristics in creating a profile
19. Examine the factors and software that are used in crime analysis and constructing profiles of victims
and perpetrators
20. Examine critical factors of various types of crimes in terms of MO, interrogation, physical evidence
and motives.
21. Examine the nature, characteristics and evidence of rape and sexual assaults (perpetrator and
victim)
22. Explore the challenges of investigating reports of DV and Child Abuse
23. Examine the various factors that are typically investigated in property related crimes
24. Assess the use of interrogation [methods] and physical evidence in these types of crimes
25. Categorize forms of computer related crimes
26. Discuss the scope of cyberbullying: harassments, sextortion/revenge porn
27. Examine the police response and concerns in in investigating cyberbullying

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 28. Outline the investigative process of child pornography
29. Examine the process that evidence goes through in the courts as a part of the justice process
30. Examine the potential for miscarriages of justice to understand the critical role of proper, procedural
criminal investigations

Course Schedule

Date Topics/Subtopics Teaching Readings Assessment and Due

Strategies and Dates
Activities
WEEK Course Outline Revision Readings: Class
1 Powerpoint discussion on
20 - 26 The History of Swanson et al. Jan 27th
Jan Investigations (2019): Chapter 1, (Assigned
History of Investigating, pp. 1–25 Topics)
UK to USA
Using history to Hess et al. (2022):
understand the present Chapter 1, pp. 1–30

WEEK The Investigations Readings: Assessment: Quiz 1

2 Goals (covers Weeks 1–2
27 Jan Types Swanson et al. topics) on Feb 3rd
- 2 Feb (2019): Chapter 2, 2025
Evidence and Forensic
pp. 26–50
Science
Mental Mistakes: Luck, Hess et al. (2022):
Logic, Inferences Chapter 2, pp. 31–60
Qualities &
Characteristics
Criminal
Investigation & the
Justice System

WEEK Evidence Readings:

3 Criminal Evidence Swanson et al. Assignment:
3-9 Judicial/Extra Judicial (2019): Chapter 3, Reflective Essay (due
Feb pp. 51–80 February 12)
Exculpatory/Exculpatory
Hess et al. (2022):
Standards of Proof Chapter 3, pp. 61–
Probable Cause 90
Uses of Evidence
Types: Direct vs Indirect
Evidence
Testimonial, Real,
Demonstrative,
Documentary
Functions of:
Corroborative,

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 Cumulative, Associative,
etc
Functions
WEEK The Law Readings: Assessment: Quiz 2
4 Evidence & Court Swanson et al. (covers Weeks 3–4
10 - 16 Criteria & (2019): Chapter 4, topics) Feb 21st
Feb pp. 81–110
Characteristics Hess et al. (2022):
Admissible Evidence Chapter 4, pp. 91–
Handling Evidence 120
Constitutional
Requirements
Juveniles
WEEK Collection of Evidence Readings:
5 Physical Evidence Swanson et al. Assignment: Group
17 - 23 What is Physical (2019): Chapter 5, Assignment 1:
Feb pp. 111–140 Evidence Analysis
Evidence
Hess et al. (2022):
Classification of Physical (due March 3)
Chapter 5, pp. 121–
Evidence in Courts 150
Test 1 Feb 28th
DNA
Comprehensive
Bodily Fluids
assessment of
Biological Evidence
Weeks 1–5.
Ballistics
Fibers, Soils, Dental, Assigned Topics for
Blood Pattern, Digital, following class
Video, Fingerprints

WEEK Collection of Evidence Readings:

6 Managing the Crime Scene Swanson et al.
24 Feb First Response (2019): Chapter 6, pp.
2 Documentation & Scene 141–180
March Evaluation Hess et al. (2022):
Chapter 6, pp. 151–
Processing
190
Eye Witness
Identification & Memory

WEEK Collection of Evidence Readings: Swanson Assessment: Quiz 3

7 Eye Witnesses et al. (2019): Chapter weeks 5-7 (March
3-9 Interviews 7, pp. 181–230; Hess 14th )
March et al. (2022): Chapter
Witnesses
6, pp. 146–180

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WEEK Collection of Evidence Readings: Swanson Test 2 March 28th
8 Interrogations et al. (2019): Chapter
11 - 16 Nature & Methods 8, pp. 231–275; Hess Behavioral Profiling
March False Confessions et al. (2022): Chapter and Interview
7, pp. 181–210 Techniques (Weeks
6–9)
WEEK Collection of Evidence Readings: Swanson Assessment:
9 Behavioral Analysis et al. (2019): Chapter Profiling Report (due
17 - 23 9, pp. 276–310; Hess March 22)
March Crime Scene et al. (2022): Chapter
8, pp. 211–245
Assigned topics for
Profiling: Crime Scene, Next session
Geographical, MO,
Signature, Trophies

Analysis: Empirical,
linguistic, geospatial,
(ViCAP)
Other Sources of
Information: Public,
Social Media, Digital, etc
WEEK Investigations Readings: Swanson Assessment: Quiz
10 Types of Crimes et al. (2019): Chapter 4 (April 4th)
24 - 30 Death 10, pp. 311–350; Investigations into
March Sex Crimes Hess et al. (2022): Violent and Property
Chapter 9, pp. 246– Crimes (Weeks 8–
Assault 290 10).
Domestic Violence &
Abuse
WEEK Investigations
11 Types of Crimes
31 Death
March Sex Crimes
-6
April Assault
Domestic Violence &
Abuse
WEEK Investigations
12 Types of Crimes
7 - 13 Death
April Sex Crimes
Assault
Domestic Violence &
Abuse
WEEK
13
14 - 21
April

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WEEK Investigations Readings: Swanson et al. Assessment: Quiz 5
14 Robbery, Burglary & Theft (2019): Chapter 11, pp. (April 26th) weeks
22 - 27 Characteristics & Physical 351–390; Hess et al. 11-12
April Evidence (2022): Chapter 10, pp.
Interrogation tactics 291–325
Target Search &
Selection, MO, Planning,
property selection, value
Variations and Arson
WEEK Computer Facilitated Readings: Swanson Assignment 3 : due
15 Crimes et al. (2019): Chapter May 2nd
28 Types of Computer 12, pp. 391–430;
April - Facilitated & Cyber Crimes Hess et al. (2022):
4 May Chapter 11, pp. 326–
Fraud
360
Identity Theft
CyberAttacks
Cyber Bullying
Cyberattacks & bullying
Harassment
Sextortion/Revenge Porn
Spoofing, catphishing,
Pornography
Child Pornography
WEEK Presentation of Evidence Readings: Swanson Test 3 on May 9th
16 Justice Process et al. (2019): Chapter (weeks 14-16)
5-9 Testimony 13, pp. 431–470;
May Hess et al. (2022): Final essay due May
Value
Chapter 12, pp. 361– 14th
The importance of 400
Criminal Investigations
Misconduct of
investigators, or other
agents of the justice
process (including
witnesses)
Ethics

12 - 14
May

15 - 23
May

COURSE POLICIES AND REGULATIONS:

1. Academic Honesty: The administration of student discipline in the university community

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 is a responsibility shared by students, faculty, and administrative staff. The University of
Belize Academic Honesty Policy outlines the University’s expectations for the integrity of
student’s academic work, the procedures for resolving alleged violations of those
expectations, and the rights and responsibilities of students and faculty throughout the
process. All students are expected to conform to the Academic Honesty Policy. Lecturers
are expected to consult with academic department chairpersons to prevent and respond
to violations of the Academic Honesty Policy. Students wishing to dispute a charge of
academic dishonesty or a sanction made upon them because of such allegations can do so
by appealing to the Dean of Student Affairs to invoke the Discipline Appeals Process as
detailed in the Student Handbook. (Please visit www.ub.edu.bz for a full description of
violations to the Academic Honesty Policy and sanctions.)
2. Class Attendance: Students are expected to attend and participate in all sessions, and to
be on time. Students must attend or participate in at least 80% of class sessions.
Unexcused absences beyond this point may result in a reduction in your grade. You must
provide the necessary documentation for any other absences e.g. doctors certificate if
you are ill. You are expected to participate fully in class discussions and be prepared to
contribute to class discussions and group work. Because participation in class is
imperative for success, each student’s final grade will be positively or negatively affected
based upon the number of class sessions they attend or participate in. Absent students
are responsible for obtaining class notes, handouts, and activities, as well as any other
pertinent information.

If an instructor is late to a face to face class session or virtual classroom, the students are
required to wait for the instructor at least fifteen minutes after the scheduled start of the
class period. If the instructor has not arrived or logged in by that time, the students are
free to leave unless specifically notified to await the instructor's arrival.
3. Disability Consideration: Where necessary, and with adequate notice, instructors are
required to make special arrangements, to allow students with special needs to
participate in assessment without being placed at a disadvantage, for example use of
enlarged fonts or Braille. Students requiring such considerations must be medically
certified as having a specified special need.
4. Punctuality: Kindly make every effort to arrive or login on time to all sessions. Walking or
logging into a session late is unprofessional and distracting to the rest of your colleagues.
If you will be late for any session, please inform the instructor via an e-mail, telephone
call, or text message.
5. Professional Ethics: In your fieldwork and/or class activities, you are expected to conduct
yourself in an ethical, legal, and professional manner.
6. Readings: Readings will be assigned. You will be expected to attend the class session
prepared to discuss the readings from the required text and/or any additional readings
assigned. The aim is to enhance your understanding and skills related to these materials
and to enable you to share your understanding with class members. Assigned readings
must be completed prior to the class session for which they are intended.
7. Writings: The ability to write clearly and effectively is essential to a profession. Written
assignments represent your best professional abilities and excellence. Assignments must

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 be written in Standard English. Written assignments should be typed and carefully
proofread. Pages that are disorganized and contain errors in grammar, spelling, syntax,
or typing will receive reduced grades. All written work should adhere to the APA style as
directed by the instructor.
9. Microphone: Upon entering a virtual classroom, kindly ensure that all microphones are
on mute. To speak or participate in a discussion online, kindly unmute microphone. Once
you have finished speaking, kindly mute microphone in the classroom.
10. Assessments: All assessments for grading are to be submitted via the Moodle Platform.
11. Missed or late Assignments: Students are expected to do all class assignments, and
upload to the Moodle platform based on due dates. If prior approval for late assignment
is not granted by the instructor, points will be deducted from that assignment or the
assignment will not be accepted.
12. Computer and Software Requirement: Students enrolling in a web-enhanced course are
required to complete Moodle for Students available on their course dashboard. Students
enrolled in Blended and Online courses are required to complete Moodle for Students
and E-learning for Students. In addition, students must have the basic computer, Internet
and Keyboarding skills. They must have access to a computer with Internet Service, a web
browser, and a UB email account. Microsoft Office 2016 are standard at the UB Campus
computer labs. Students may use any desktop productivity software of their choice as
long as their instructor can access their work. When compatibility issues arise, it is the
student’s responsibility to resolve the problem with their instructor. Technical support for
course navigation is available through the Office of Open and Distance Learning at
[email protected].
13. E-mail Accounts: Students taking courses will be assigned a UB e-mail account. University
and course-related emails will be sent to this account. The emails inside of MOODLE will
be used as the main communication tool for the University of Belize. All online students
are expected to check their e-mail accounts on a regular basis to avoid missing important
information sent out from the instructor or from the University.
14. Virtual Classroom: Online students are encouraged to log into the virtual classroom as
stipulated by the course instructor. This will allow students access to the instructor to
seek clarity regarding an assessment, a course activity or to view the course weekly
lecture. Virtual Classroom sessions are announced via the course page. This notification
should include the day(s), time(s) and communication tool for the sessions.
15. Denying Course Access: Approximately ten (10) workdays after the beginning of each
semester, the office of Finance may purge students who have not paid their fees for the
semester. Before students can be reinstated, they must pay their fees through the Office
of Finance. Students may have their access reinstated completing the reinstatement form
and getting the proper signatures for reinstatement. For Financial concerns kindly email
[email protected]

Assessment of Course Work

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1. Quizzes: There will be 5 quizzes given in this course based on the relevant material. The
quizzes may be multiple choice or other formats. These remain open for a specified period
of time (see above course schedule). Quizzes will not be available for review until the
posted closing date.

No make-up will be given except for exceptional circumstances as per the UB Student
Handbook. Such excuses must be accompanied by supporting documentation. Please note that
citing a financial block is not adequate; this must be accompanied by official documentation and
the block cannot cover only the last few day/s of the quiz or test. The quizzes and tests are
opened for a number of days, so do not wait until the very last minute to take the assessment.
Valid reasons must cover the range of dates the assessment is scheduled to be accessible.

A survey will be shared in Week 12 of the semester for students who missed the assessment to
apply for a re-sit. Please wait for this to be posted via course announcements; emailed requests
prior to this will not be accepted. Documentation in support of requests may include: medical
papers, funeral booklets/announcements but does not include a written testimonial by students
or parents. Kindly note students are responsible for checking course announcements and
providing accurate and complete information. Late requests will not be reviewed.
**Moodle is not responsible for reminders of assessments. Your provided outlines contain all
testing and quizzing dates**

2. Tests: There will be 3 tests given in this course based on the lectures, assignments,
activities, reading material and your notes.
3. Assignments: Any signs of plagiarism will result in an automatic 0 on the assignment. No
make-up assignments will be given. Grading considerations will be given for exceptional
circumstances as per the UB Student Handbook. Such excuses must be accompanied by
supporting documentation.

Grading Scale
The final grade will be assigned in adherence with the University of Belize’s Grade Policy. Thus,
final grades will be computed using a combination of semester grades (quiz, essays, tests,
presentations, blog, wiki, quizzes, e-portfolio/ portfolios) and a final examination. The final
letter grade will be assigned using the following University Grading Scale:
95-100 A 80-84 B 65-69 D+
90-94 A- 75-79 C+ 60-64 D
85-89 B+ 70-74 C 0-59 F

Class Activities and Assignments

Assignments:
3 Assignments (5% each) 15%
5 Quizzes (5% each) 25%
3 Tests (10% each) 30%

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Final Assessment 30%

TOTAL 100%

Assignment Details

Assignment 1

Title: Reflective Essay on Types of Evidence

Instructions: Discuss the types of evidence used in criminal investigations, including physical,
testimonial, and documentary evidence. Provide real-world examples and evaluate the challenges
investigators face in preserving these types.

Length: 2 pages (APA Format)

Due Date: February 12.

Submission requirements:
✔ Your paper should be 12 inch Arial, double spaced and 1 inch margins.
✔ Cover page is required following APA requirements.
✔ Headings are not necessary but can be used. Don’t submit an abstract
✔ Follow all APA requirements for citations and reference page.
✔ Your submission must be a google document, which shows the entire development of
the report.

Attach a screenshot or copy of your grammarly report or other AI sites. Each group should use
their UB access to grammarly to scan for plagiarism

To submit:
1. NAME your file using Assignment Name_ Student First Intial_ Last Name.
2. Share the GOOGLE DRIVE LINK with your facilitator (directly from google drive).
3. Create a link in the text box here on Moodle.
4. Upload a pdf of the essay, including a page which includes the link to the google doc.

Criteria Excellent (5) Good (3–4) Satisfactory (2) Needs

Improvement (0–
1)
Content and Thoroughly Covers the Basic discussion Incomplete
Analysis explores physical, types of with minimal discussion, lacks
(40%) testimonial, and evidence examples or examples, or fails to
documentary adequately superficial address key types
evidence with but lacks explanations. of evidence.
detailed depth in

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 explanations and analysis or
real-world examples.
examples.
Real-World Effectively Includes Limited or vague No or irrelevant
Examples incorporates some real- examples provided, examples provided,
(20%) multiple relevant world with little failing to illustrate
real-world examples examples, connection to the the types of
that enhance but they analysis. evidence.
understanding. may lack
relevance or
depth.
Challenges Insightfully Addresses Mentions challenges Fails to address
Evaluation evaluates challenges challenges, briefly without challenges or
(20%) in preserving but lacks analysis or clear provides
evidence, showing depth or connection to irrelevant/inaccurat
critical thinking and covers them evidence types. e information.
understanding. superficially
.
Organizatio Well-organized with Generally Some organizational Poor organization,
n and clear structure, well- issues that make the lack of clarity, or
Clarity logical flow, and structured essay difficult to incoherent
(10%) smooth transitions with minor follow. structure.
between sections. issues in
clarity or
transitions.
Writing Clear, concise, and Few minor Noticeable Frequent errors;
Quality free from grammatical grammatical/spellin writing is unclear or
(10%) grammatical/spellin or stylistic g errors that detract overly simplistic.
g errors; errors; from the essay’s
professional tone writing is quality.
maintained. mostly clear.

Group Assignment

Title: Group Assignment - Crime Scene Analysis

Instructions: In groups, research and analyze a real or fictional crime scene scenario. Submit a
detailed report covering evidence collection, documentation, and preservation techniques.

 Length: 4–6 pages.

 Due Date: March 1.

Instructions:

1. Form Groups:
o Work in groups (assigned)

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 o Assign roles within the group (e.g., Lead Investigator, Evidence Recorder,
Analyst, Presenter).

2. Scenario:
o A detailed fictional crime scene scenario will be provided by the instructor.
o Analyze the scene to identify potential evidence, understand the nature of the
crime, and propose investigative strategies.

3. Tasks:
o Crime Scene Documentation:
 Record all physical evidence in the scene with precise descriptions and
labels.
 Include diagrams or photographs (if applicable) to illustrate the scene
layout.
o Evidence Analysis:
 Discuss the potential significance of each piece of evidence.
 Identify connections between evidence and the crime scenario.
o Investigative Strategies:
 Propose steps for processing the evidence (e.g., forensic tests).
 Suggest hypotheses based on the evidence.

4. Report:
o Structure:

1. Title Page: Include assignment title, group member names, and date.
2. Introduction: Brief overview of the crime scenario and objectives.
3. Crime Scene Documentation: Detailed descriptions and
diagrams/photographs.
4. Evidence Analysis: Logical explanation of findings and significance.
5. Investigative Strategies: Proposed steps and reasoning.
6. Conclusion: Summary of findings and proposed next steps.
7. References: Cite any external resources or materials used.

5. Formatting:
o Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt.
o Spacing: Double-spaced.
o Length: 4–6 pages (excluding diagrams and references).
o Citation Style: APA format.

Submission:
 NAME your file using Assignment Name_ Student First Intial_ Last Name.
 Share the GOOGLE DRIVE LINK with your facilitator (directly from google drive).
 Create a link in the text box here on Moodle.
 Upload a pdf of the essay, including a page which includes the link to the google doc.
 Submit one report per group via the course’s online platform by 11:59 PM on the due
date.
 Late submissions will incur a penalty of 5% per day unless prior approval is granted.

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Assessment:

Your assignment will be graded based on the provided rubric, with emphasis on documentation,
analysis, teamwork, presentation, and creativity. ***AI SITES CAN BE USED FOR SCENE
IMAGES ONLY***

Criteria Excellent (5) Good (3–4) Satisfactory (2) Needs

Improvement
(0–1)
Crime Scene Detailed, Good Basic Poor or
Documentation accurate, and documentation documentation incomplete
(30%) well-organized with minor with several documentation;
documentation omissions or omissions or fails to properly
with clear labels unclear lack of clarity in record evidence
and descriptions labels/descriptions. descriptions. or scene layout.
of evidence and
scene layout.
Analysis of Comprehensive Good analysis but Basic analysis; Inadequate or
Evidence analysis of with minor gaps in connections to incorrect
(30%) evidence with connections or the scenario are analysis; lacks
logical critical insight. underdeveloped logical
connections to or unclear. connections to the
the crime crime scenario.
scenario;
insights
demonstrate
critical thinking.
Team Demonstrates Good Minimal Poor teamwork;
Collaboration excellent collaboration; collaboration; uneven effort or
(20%) teamwork with contributions from uneven lack of
balanced most members but contributions or participation from
contributions with minor lack of group members.
from all group imbalances. coordination.
members; well-
coordinated
effort.
Presentation Report is clear, Clear and Somewhat clear Unclear or poorly
and Clarity professional, professional with but contains formatted report;
(10%) and well- minor grammar or noticeable frequent errors in
structured with formatting issues. grammar or grammar and
logical flow and formatting structure.
minimal errors errors.
in grammar or
formatting.
Creativity and Scenario Realistic but lacks Basic realism Unrealistic or
Realism (10%) analysis shows creativity in but lacks depth lacks creativity;
creativity and addressing or creativity in fails to address
realism in challenges or addressing key investigative

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 identifying proposing investigative aspects.
potential solutions. aspects.
investigative
challenges and
solutions.

Assignment 3

Title: Evidence Presentation Reflective Essay

Structure:

Introduction:

 Briefly introduce the role of evidence in the justice system and the significance of ethical
considerations.

Body:

 Section 1: Discuss the importance of evidence in ensuring justice (e.g., types of

evidence, burden of proof).
 Section 2: Analyze ethical challenges in presenting evidence (e.g., tampering, bias,
misrepresentation).
 Section 3: Provide examples or case studies to support your analysis.

Conclusion: Summarize your reflections and propose solutions or recommendations to address

ethical issues in evidence presentation.

References: Cite any scholarly articles, case studies, or course materials used.

Formatting:

 Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt.

 Spacing: Double-spaced.
 Length: 3–4 pages (excluding references).
 Citation Style: APA format.

Submission:
 NAME your file using Assignment Name_ Student First Initial_ Last Name.
 Share the GOOGLE DRIVE LINK with your facilitator (directly from google drive).
 Create a link in the text box here on Moodle.
 Upload a pdf of the essay, including a page which includes the link to the google doc.
 Submit one report per group via the course’s online platform by 11:59 PM on the due
date.

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  Late submissions will incur a penalty of 5% per day unless prior approval is granted.

Criteria Excellent (5) Good (3–4) Satisfactory (2) Needs

Improvement (0–
1)
Content and Thorough and Good Basic discussion Inadequate or off-
Analysis insightful discussion discussion with limited topic discussion
(40%) of the role of with some depth or few with no meaningful
evidence and ethical depth, though examples analysis or
challenges, examples or provided. examples.
supported by strong insights could
examples. be more
detailed.
Real-World Relevant and Examples Limited or vague No or irrelevant
Examples impactful real-world provided are examples that do examples provided,
(20%) examples or case relevant but not effectively failing to illustrate
studies enhance the lack depth or support the key points.
essay’s arguments. integration discussion.
with the
analysis.
Ethical Insightful evaluation Addresses Brief or Ethical challenges
Analysis of ethical ethical superficial are not discussed or
(20%) challenges, challenges but discussion of addressed
demonstrating lacks depth or ethical inaccurately.
critical thinking and critical challenges,
originality. insight. lacking analysis.
Organization Well-structured with Generally Some Poor structure;
and Clarity a logical flow; clear clear and organizational writing is unclear,
(10%) and professional organized with issues; writing disorganized, or
writing with minor issues lacks coherence contains frequent
minimal errors. in structure or or has noticeable errors.
clarity. errors.
Writing Error-free grammar, Few minor Noticeable Frequent grammar,
Quality spelling, and errors in grammar or spelling, or
(10%) formatting; uses grammar or formatting formatting errors;
professional tone formatting; errors; basic writing is unclear or
and vocabulary. writing is vocabulary. overly simplistic.
mostly clear.

Final Essay (Exam)

Title: The Future of Criminal Investigation

Instructions:

1. Discuss the evolution of criminal investigation techniques and tools over the past century.
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 2. Analyze the impact of technology, such as AI, biometrics, and cyber tools, on modern
investigations.
3. Evaluate ethical challenges that accompany the use of emerging technologies in criminal
investigations.
4. Provide recommendations for ensuring ethical and effective investigation practices in the
future.

Requirements:

 Length: 8–10 pages.

 APA formatting.
 Include at least five scholarly sources, including course textbooks.

Due Date: May 14th 2025

FINAL ESSAY (this is in place of a final exam)

1. This will be delivered in a coherent, organized written essay.
**The written report will be submitted electronically**

The report structure

The introduction should briefly introduce the topic and then the contents of the essay.

The body of the essay will contain multiple paragraphs which is the bulk of the points
Ideas and information should flow, in an organized, easy to follow manner. The content should
be well developed and allow your reader to understand without previous knowledge of
psychology or needing to do additional research to understand. Ensure that you use relevant,
accurate terms and concepts.

The conclusion should tie in what was covered in the essay. It should be more than a statement
that it is a conclusion but does not need to be extremely lengthy. Your conclusion should allow
reader to tie together all loose ends.

The reference page should immediately follow, with all cited content listed in this section.
Note; you must NOT use lumenlearning, course hero, wikipedia

Submission requirements:
✔ Your paper should be 12 inch Arial, double spaced and 1 inch margins.
✔ Cover page is required following APA requirements.
✔ Headings are not necessary but can be used. Don’t submit an abstract
✔ Follow all APA requirements for citations and reference page.
✔ Your submission must be a google document, which shows the entire development of
the report.

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 ✔ Attach a screenshot or copy of your grammarly report or other AI sites. Each group
should use their UB access to grammarly to scan for plagiarism.

To submit:
5. NAME your file using Assignment Name_ Student First Intial_ Last Name.
6. Share the GOOGLE DRIVE LINK with your facilitator (directly from google drive).
7. Create a link in the text box here on Moodle.
8. Upload a pdf of the essay, including a page which includes the link to the google doc.

Final Project Presentation & Report

Criteria Excellent (5) Good (3–4) Satisfactory (2) Needs Improvement (0–
1)
Content and Thoroughly Provides Addresses the Incomplete or irrelevant
Analysis addresses the essay relevant prompt but lacks analysis; lacks
(40%) prompt with deep content with depth or understanding or
insight, original some depth, originality; connection to the topic.
analysis, and well- minor gaps in arguments are
supported analysis. underdeveloped.
arguments.
Organization Logically Well-organized Adequate Poor structure, lacks
and Structure organized with a but minor structure with logical flow; difficult to
(20%) clear introduction, issues in flow some follow.
body, and or coherence. organizational
conclusion; issues that affect
smooth transitions clarity.
between sections.
Writing Clear, concise, and Minor Noticeable errors Frequent errors; writing
Quality free of grammatical or or awkward is unclear or overly
(20%) grammatical or stylistic issues; phrasing; basic simplistic.
spelling errors; writing is vocabulary.
professional tone mostly clear.
and vocabulary.
Research and Includes 5+ Includes 4–5 Uses fewer than 4 Few or no credible
Citation credible sources; credible sources; frequent sources; citations
(15%) citations and sources; minor citation errors or missing or incorrect.
references follow citation errors. inconsistencies.
APA format
perfectly.
Creativity Highly creative Some Limited Lacks originality;
and with unique creativity and creativity; basic unengaging or repetitive
Originality perspectives; unique ideas with little content.
(5%) engages the reader insights; holds engagement.
effectively. interest.

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