Criminal Justice

An overview of the forensic sciences. The role of science in the utilization of physical evidence in matters of criminal and civil law. Emphasis is placed on the value and assistance of modern scientific knowledge to the investigation. Includes laboratory demonstrations and direct experience examining physical evidence. Three hours lecture and three hours lab per week.

The Dispatch Training Program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective dispatchers in the field. This program consists of 180 contact hours, including both lecture and hands-on lab/simulation components. In addition to the classroom instruction, students will also participate in five 8-hour sit-along internships, allowing them to apply what they have learned in real-world scenarios. Throughout the course, students will study a variety of topics, including communication skills, call-taking procedures, dispatching techniques, emergency response protocols, and computer-aided dispatch systems. The program is designed to be comprehensive, covering both the theoretical and practical aspects of the field. Upon completion of the Dispatch Training Program, students will have a thorough understanding of the role of a dispatcher and the skills necessary to perform the job effectively. They will also be able to demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as effective communication and interpersonal skills. This program is designed to be rigorous and challenging, but also engaging and supportive, with a knowledgeable and experienced faculty who are dedicated to helping students succeed.

The course includes a brief history of the theories of criminology, the police, and the offender, with particular emphasis given to criminal career perspectives, detailing from a sociological standpoint, types of offenders who commit specific offenses.

Origin, development, philosophy and constitutional basis of evidence; constitutional and procedural considerations affecting arrest, search and seizure; kinds of degrees of evidence and rules governing admissibility; judicial decisions interpreting rights and case studies.

Integrated overview of the elements of substantive criminal law and the fundamental concepts of due process and fairness underlying American criminal procedures.

Integrated overview of the elements of substantive criminal law and the fundamental concepts of due process and fairness underlying American criminal procedures.

Identification of community problems which require prevention, suppression or control through the basic methods and techniques of police patrol. Special attention to the responsibilities of officers in varying patrol situations such as foot beats, one-person cars, K-9 corps, and/or tactical units. Techniques of observation and perception. Recognition of police hazards; their evaluation and proper police patrol action.

Historical development, roles, socialization and problems of police work. Transfers to UNR as CJ 211 Police in America.

Historical development, roles, socialization and problems of police work. Transfers to UNR as CJ 211 Police in America.

Fundamentals of investigation, crime scene search and recording; collection and presentation of physical evidence, scientific aids, sources of information, case preparation, interviews and interrogations; follow-up.