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Canyon College
online Psychological Evaluation, Consultation and Testimony course at Canyon College forensic psychology department
COURSE SYLLABUS: CJ483 - Death Investigation

Course Title: CJ483 - Death Investigation
Department: School of Criminal Justice
Instructor: Fred A. Sams, JD, CMI, CHS, DABLEE, E-Mail -- Vita
Phone: (828) 625-9744


Required Texts  Online Bookstore

Primary Text Book:
Practical Homicide Investigation: Tactics, Procedures, and Forensic Techniques, 4th Edition,
by Vernon J. Geberth. CRC Press (2006).
ISBN-13: 9780849333033  ISBN: 0849333032



Secondary Text Book:
Death Investigation, The Basics,
by B. Randall M.D. Galen Press (1997).
ISBN-13: 9781883620240  ISBN: 1883620244



Professor Contact

Email: csisams@canyoncollege.edu
Phone: (828) 625-9744
Professor Availability: Professor Sams is on line numerous times daily between 10:00 am and 9:00 pm Monday through Saturday. Telephone conferences may be prearranged by e-mail.

Course Overview

Death investigation is a complicated and detail oriented learned skill. It is a subject that is dynamic and ever changing. This course will be a survey of the topics and basic skills that function as the foundation of the art of death investigation. Subjects such as death scene investigation, determination of time of death, identification of decedent, and investigative structure and protocol will be examined.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have an understanding and appreciation for the basic methodologies employed in death investigation. Students gain an understanding of the differing approaches to death scenes involving suicides, homicides and natural deaths; to include forensic applications, crime scene protocols and investigative procedures.

Welcome to the Course

Hello and welcome to the class. My name is Fred Sams, and I will be working with you during this course. I look forward to working you and having an interesting and enjoyable course. Please review the course materials and become familiar with the grading expectations. I will be on the platform almost every night, and accordingly, I attempt to answer submissions and e-mails within a twenty-four hour period when possible. I will be online almost every night. I am also available by phone. In case of an extreme emergency you can contact me at 1-828-625-9744. Telephone conversations and conferences may be requested in advance by e-mail. By scheduling a call with me in advance, I can be sure that I am free to adequately discuss matters with you without interruption. As you can see, I am never more than a "click" or a call away. I will be available to answer any questions that you may have and to work with you to make this a valuable and enjoyable experience. I will be responsible for grading your work and providing feedback to you on a regular basis. This is somewhat different from the actual classroom environment, but be confident in the fact that I will be here when you need me and will work closely with you during the class. In actuality, you will find that I am more accessible than a regular classroom professor. Please make every effort to keep up with the work. You will find that falling behind in this course will cause you great difficulties. If you have any problems, LET ME KNOW ASAP!! We can easily work through problems most of the time. This is an interesting course, so budget yourself enough time to do the required work. Good luck! And remember, I will read everything you write. We are all busy adults. So, if you invest your time to write it - then I'll take my time and read it! I feel that I owe each student the respect of looking at their work.

Professor's Biography

Fred A. Sams, BA, JD, CMI-IV, DABLEE, CHS
Captain
Retired - Chief of Detectives - Major Case – Crime Scene Investigator

Captain Sams’ career in law and criminal justice began in 1967 when he was accepted as a member of the F.B.I. Over the years he has also served with the Miami Police Department, the Metro-Dade Police Department, the Fairfax County, Virginia, Police Department, and as Director of Forensics for two Sheriff’s Departments in North Carolina. He is a former member of the California Law Offices of Melvin M. Belli. Fred is a regionally prominent forensic investigator and is consulted on many homicides and major cases occurring within the Western North Carolina Region. He has written a crime scene investigation curriculum for the North Carolina Justice Academy where he teaches as an adjunct instructor.

Additionally, Fred is a facilitator for Boston University’s Master’s in Criminal Justice Program and currently in his sixth year with the University. Additionally he is a faculty member for the University of Phoenix Criminal Justice Program, an adjunct graduate professor for Saint Leo University’s Master’s in Criminal Justice Program, as well as a professor of Criminal Justice with Canyon College. He is previously a senior professor of criminal justice at Shaw University’s Asheville Campus and criminal justice instructor for Isothermal Community College. Fred is a visiting instructor for The Taylor Group, Inc., for whom he travels throughout the United States teaching Crime Scene Investigation. He teaches seminars on clandestine methamphetamine laboratories, bomb threat assessment, profiling and deviant behavior as related to workplace violence for healthcare, private industry, and law enforcement agencies. In addition, he conducts physical security surveys and site assessments for large corporate entities and governmental facilities.

Fred has also worked as a Federal Investigator in the areas of narcotics and child sexual assault cases. His background includes experience with the State of North Carolina as an Enforcement Agent II and with Probation and Parole. He holds certifications as a law enforcement officer in both Florida and North Carolina and has been awarded the State of North Carolina’s Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate. Fred has participated in the forensics aspect of cases that are featured in books such as “The Greatest Crimes of the Twentieth Century” and movies such as 20th Century Fox’s “Buried Alive”. He also has been the subject of articles in magazines such as “Police One”.

Academically, Fred holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Police Science, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology from Saint Leo University and a Juris Doctor (Law) Degree from Western State University/Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego. He is a member of the American College of Forensic Examiners and enjoys the distinction of Diplomate with the College’s American Board of Law Enforcement Experts. The American College of Forensic Examiners has awarded Fred the prestigious designation of Certified Medical Investigator – Level IV, as well as certification as an expert in Homeland Security. He is an acknowledged court expert witness in the fields of fingerprints, handwriting, shoe and tire impressions, crime scene reconstruction and blood spatter to name a few. Fred is an active member of the North Carolina Homicide Investigator’s Association and the International Homicide Investigator’s Association and the International Fingerprint Association.

While serving in the Army, he received assignments with the Army’s Criminal Investigation and Military Police Command as an investigator, instructor and negotiator. Fred was given a variety of post war assignments such as S-2 (intelligence) working in the South Florida Everglades coordinating nuclear security relative to threats posed to missile sites by radical and extremist groups. He holds the rank of Sixth Degree Black Belt with the United States Karate Association and Independent Martial Arts Federation. He also teaches self-defense classes and martial arts to law enforcement and special segments of the community.

Captain Sams has attended such prestigious schools as: Fred is currently completing a book entitled “Practical Crime Scene Investigations—A Manual” Finally, he is scheduled to speak before the American College of Forensic Examiners National Convention in October. This will be his second invitation to teach/speak at the ACFE National Conference.

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty is highly valued at Canyon College. Students must always submit work that represents their original words or ideas. If any words or ideas used in a class posting or assignment submission do not represent the student’s original words or ideas, all relevant sources must be cited along with the extent to which such sources were used.

References and citations will follow the APA format.

Words or ideas that require citation include, but are not limited to, all hard copy or electronic publications, whether copyrighted or not, and all verbal or visual communication when the content of such communication clearly originates from an identifiable source.

Privacy and Confidentiality in the Canyon College Classroom

One of the highlights of the Canyon College academic experience is that students can draw on the wealth of examples from their organizations in class discussions and in their written work. However, it is imperative that students not share information that is confidential, privileged, or proprietary in nature. Students must be mindful of any contracts they have agreed to with their companies.

Point Values for Course Assignments

The following represents the distribution of grading for this course:



Grading

A = Excellent performance. Clearly stands out as an excellent performer. Has unusually sharp insight into material and initiates thoughtful questions. The student sees many sides of an issue. Articulates well and writes logically and clearly. Integrates ideas previously learned from this and other disciplines; anticipates next steps in progression of ideas

B = Above average performance. Grasps subject matter at a level considered to be good to very good. The student actively participates in the class discussion. Speaks and writes well. The student accomplishes more than the minimum requirements. Work in and out of class is of high quality.

C = Average performance. The student demonstrates a satisfactory comprehension of the subject matter. Accomplishes only the minimum requirements and displays little or no initiative. The student is able to communicate orally and in writing at an acceptable level for a college student. Has a satisfactory understanding of all basic concepts.

D = Below average performance. The student demonstrates understanding at the most rudimentary level. Quality and quantity of work in and out of class is below average and marginally acceptable.

F = Failing performance. Work is not acceptable and/or timely. Quality and quantity of work in and out of class fails to demonstrate a marginal understanding of learning objectives and their application. Academic credit is not earned.



Lecture Brief

Each week, you will have a weekly lecture. Read the lecture and take notes as all lectures will be included in the quizzes. Complete a brief of the lecture materials indicating what you perceive the materials to mean; entitle this assignment as “Lecture Brief”. Stress the high points and issues that are important. This will be submitted by e-mail to the instructor in an academic format of 150 to 250 words in length during your academic week.

Weekly Summary

Each on-line week, you will conclude the week’s activities by summarizing what you have learned during the week. You do not need to simply repeat everything that has been discussed. What I am most interested in is what you learned about yourself and the academic materials during the course of the week. The Weekly Summary is a graded activity. Instead of posing specific questions to determine your progress and substantive knowledge gained, you get to tell me what you have learned. Focus your summary by answering the following questions, or additional questions that I may pose:

Please address the content of the course and your reaction to it in your weekly summary. Do not simply discuss your schedule, whether the server was up or down, and other “process related” items. The length of your weekly summary should be between 350 and 500 words.

Quizzes

Short quizzes (consisting of both multiple choice and essay questions) will be given to evaluate mastery of the material for the week of class; week 5 quiz will include weeks 4 & 5 material. This means that there will be a Quiz administered at the end of week 1, week 2, week 3, week 5, week 6 and week 7, for a total of 6 quizzes. Each Quiz will be posted in the exam format under the week that it is to be taken, and the professor will request that each be opened for you in the week that it is due.

Research Paper

You will compose a final research paper that will analyze and thoroughly discuss one specific topic related to one of the components of death investigation. You will develop and organize your ideas on this topic to form a compelling and logical argument. Please confirm with your professor the topic for your paper by the end of academic week two. This will be a topic of your choice, subject to the professor’s approval. This paper is due in week 8.

Below are the pertinent criteria for your paper:
  1. Length: 10 -12 pages (not including references)
  2. Spacing: double-spaced
  3. Font size: 12.
  4. Font type: Times New Roman.
  5. Margins: 1” (all around)
  6. Reference style: APA
  7. Pagination: Center bottom (numbers for pages), use lower case Roman Numerals for table of contents
  8. Section headings: Centered, caps, underlined
  9. Sections:
    1. Title page
    2. Abstract
    3. Table of contents
    4. Introduction
    5. Analysis and discussion of topic
    6. References
    7. Conclusion
Class Policy

All work must be turned in as scheduled. Any work turned in as a late assignment will be marked down by 10% for each calendar day that it is delinquent. Students must request extensions from the instructor in order to avoid late penalties; such extensions must be requested prior to the due date of the assignment.

All academic papers will be required to be referenced in a proper format consistent with current APA guidelines. Papers not containing proper references may be viewed as plagiarism.

Classes are considered to be eight weeks in length. Any extensions required beyond the eighth week must be approved by the instructor in advance.

Students will start their “Academic Week” on Monday at 12:01 a.m. Mountain Time and it will end on Sunday at midnight Mountain Time. The purpose of the academic week is to allow for determination of due dates for assignments.



Week One Deliverables


Introduction & Biography:

Email me with an introduction regarding who you are, and follow that with a brief biography of yourself. Tell me what you would like me to know about you; hobbies, family, profession (photo attachments optional). Additionally, give a brief summary of what you intend to do from a professional standpoint with the degree that you are pursuing. Submit the introduction and biography by the second day of class if possible.

Lecture:

Welcome to Death Investigations
Read the lecture and take notes as all lectures will be included in the quizzes. Complete a brief of the lecture materials indicating what you perceive the materials to mean; entitle this assignment as “Lecture Brief”. Stress the high points and issues that are important. This will be submitted by e-mail to the instructor in an academic format of 150 to 250 words in length during your academic week one.

Reading: Assignment #1:

Geberth:
Chapter 9 Estimating Time of Death
Chapter 12 Modes of Death
Outline each chapter and submit a copy of your outline to the instructor no later than the last day of the academic week.

Reading Assignment #2:

Randall:
Chapter 1 Death Investigators
Chapter 2 Determining Which Deaths to Investigate
Chapter 6 Time of Death.
Outline each chapter and submit a copy of your outline to the instructor no later than the last day of the academic week.

Week One Quiz:

Complete week one quiz as directed in the quiz instructions. The quiz will cover all materials presented in week one.

Summary:

Complete week one summary as directed in the instructions. Submit your summary by email to the instructor by the end of the academic week.



Week Two Deliverables


Lecture:

The Death Scene Protocol
Read the lecture and take notes as all lectures will be included in the quizzes. Complete a brief of the lecture materials indicating what you perceive the materials to mean; entitle this assignment as “Lecture Brief”. Stress the high points and issues that are important. This will be submitted by e-mail to the instructor in an academic format of 150 to 250 words in length during your academic week two.

Reading: Assignment #1:

Geberth:
Chapter 1 The Homicide Crime Scene.
Outline each chapter and submit a copy of your outline to the instructor no later than the last day of the academic week.

Reading Assignment #2:

Randall:
Chapter 3 Scene Investigation.
Outline each chapter and submit a copy of your outline to the instructor no later than the last day of the academic week.

Week Two Quiz:

Complete week two quiz as directed in the quiz instructions. The quiz will cover all materials presented in week two.



Week Three Deliverables


Lecture:

First Responding Officer’s Duties at a Death Scene
Read the lecture and take notes as all lectures will be included in the quizzes. Complete a brief of the lecture materials indicating what you perceive the materials to mean; entitle this assignment as “Lecture Brief”. Stress the high points and issues that are important. This will be submitted by e-mail to the instructor in an academic format of 150 to 250 words in length during your academic week three.

Reading: Assignment #1:

Geberth:
Chapter 2 First Officer’s Duties: General
Chapter 3 First Officer’s Duties: Specific
Chapter 4 Preliminary Investigation at the Scene: The Detectives
Outline each chapter and submit a copy of your outline to the instructor no later than the last day of the academic week.

Week Three Quiz:

Complete week three quiz as directed in the quiz instructions. The quiz will cover all materials presented in week three.



Week Four Deliverables


Lecture:

Investigative Duties at the Death Scene
Read the lecture and take notes as all lectures will be included in the quizzes. Complete a brief of the lecture materials indicating what you perceive the materials to mean; entitle this assignment as “Lecture Brief”. Stress the high points and issues that are important. This will be submitted by e-mail to the instructor in an academic format of 150 to 250 words in length during your academic week four.

Reading: Assignment #1:

Geberth:
Chapter 5 Specific Investigative Duties at the Scene
Chapter 8 The Homicide Crime Scene Search
Outline each chapter and submit a copy of your outline to the instructor no later than the last day of the academic week.

Midterm Examination:

The Mid-term Examination part one will consist of twenty five multiple choice and true/false questions. Part two will consist of a brief essay of approximately 500 words. Follow the instructions contained in the beginning of the exams. The mid-term will cover all materials up to the date of the exam.



Week Five Deliverables


Lecture:

Photographing & Sketching the Crime Scene
Read the lecture and take notes as all lectures will be included in the quizzes. Complete a brief of the lecture materials indicating what you perceive the materials to mean; entitle this assignment as “Lecture Brief”. Stress the high points and issues that are important. This will be submitted by e-mail to the instructor in an academic format of 150 to 250 words in length during your academic week five.

Reading: Assignment #1:

Geberth:
Chapter 6 Crime Scene Photographs
Chapter 7 Crime Scene Sketch
Outline each chapter and submit a copy of your outline to the instructor no later than the last day of the academic week.



ACADEMIC EXERCISE: “ Silence of The Lambs”


Review the movie “Silence of the Lambs”, which depicts a serial killer named Hannibal Lecter who assisted the F.B.I. in investigating an active serial killer named Buffalo Bill. Then review materials that you find on the Web regarding the real life serial killer who the character Buffalo Bill was based upon; Ed Gein. Gein was an early version of Jeff Dahmer. After reviewing the movie, and researching Gein, write a paper comparing the Hollywood version—“Silence of the Lambs”, to the real life activities of Gein. Submit your responses in a paper consisting of approximately two pages in length to the instructor by e-mail before the end of the academic week. You may use your creative skills in constructing your paper, PowerPoint and/or graphics may be used to enhance your presentation. Points may be gained by referencing and working the academics addressed thus far in class into your presentation.

Week Five Quiz:

Complete week two quiz as directed in the quiz instructions. The quiz will cover all materials presented in week five.



Week Six Deliverables


Lecture:

You Be The Detective
This is a practical exercise designed to give you insight into what crime scene investigators must assess upon arriving at a death scene. Read the instructions accompanying the exercise. This will be submitted by e-mail to the instructor in an academic format of 150 to 250 words in length during your academic week six.

Reading: Assignment #1:

Geberth:
Chapter 10 The Identity of the Deceased
Chapter 13 Suicide Investigation
Chapter 14 The Investigation of Sex-Related Homicides
Outline each chapter and submit a copy of your outline to the instructor no later than the last day of the academic week.

Week Six Quiz:

Complete week two quiz as directed in the quiz instructions. The quiz will cover all materials presented in week six.



Week Seven Deliverables


Lecture:

Recovery of Skeletons & Buried Bodies
Read the lecture and take notes as all lectures will be included in the quizzes. Complete a brief of the lecture materials indicating what you perceive the materials to mean; entitle this assignment as “Lecture Brief”. Stress the high points and issues that are important. This will be submitted by e-mail to the instructor in an academic format of 150 to 250 words in length during your academic week seven.

Reading: Assignment #1:

Geberth:
Chapter 15 Homosexual Homicides
Chapter 17 Collection of Evidence
Outline each chapter and submit a copy of your outline to the instructor no later than the last day of the academic week.

Week Seven Quiz:

Complete week two quiz as directed in the quiz instructions. The quiz will cover all materials presented in week seven.



Week Eight Deliverables


Lecture:

“Bones”
Read the lecture and take notes as all lectures will be included in the quizzes. Complete a brief of the lecture materials indicating what you perceive the materials to mean; entitle this assignment as “Lecture Brief”. Stress the high points and issues that are important. This will be submitted by e-mail to the instructor in an academic format of 150 to 250 words in length during your academic week eight.

Reading: Assignment #1:

Geberth:
Chapter 18 The Autopsy
Outline each chapter and submit a copy of your outline to the instructor no later than the last day of the academic week.



RESEARCH PAPER


Your research paper will be due this week, review the requirements for the paper as outlined in the syllabus.



FINAL EXAM


Your final examination will consist of between 25 and 50 multiple choice and/or true false questions in part one. And, part two will consist of a brief essay of approximately 150 words. Follow the instructions contained in the beginning of the exams. The final exam will cover all materials covered in the entire course.