Ethan Andersen - Criminal Justice Instructor

A 40-hour investigations course is a comprehensive and intensive training program, typically conducted over five consecutive days, designed to equip participants with foundational and, where applicable, specialized knowledge and practical competencies necessary to conduct thorough, ethical, and legally compliant investigations. While the specific curriculum may vary depending on the intended audience—such as entry-level detectives, private investigators, or specialists in disciplines including homicide, fire, or financial investigations—the course generally encompasses a standardized body of investigative principles, methodologies, and legal requirements.

Core Curriculum Overview

The following modules represent a comprehensive framework of subject matter commonly included in a general 40-hour investigations course.

Module 1: Foundations and Legal Framework

This module establishes the legal and ethical foundation essential to investigative practice.

• Roles and Responsibilities: Examination of the investigator’s duties and scope of authority, including initial response obligations, decision-making responsibilities, and adherence to professional and ethical standards.

• Legal Considerations: In-depth analysis of applicable federal, state, and local laws, including constitutional protections (such as Fourth Amendment considerations), civil and criminal liability, administrative law, and lawful search and seizure procedures.

• Courtroom Preparation: Instruction on evidentiary standards and admissibility, preparation for courtroom testimony, effective presentation of findings, and coordination with prosecutorial authorities.

• Case Management: Principles and best practices for the systematic planning, documentation, execution, and resolution of investigations, ensuring continuity, accountability, and legal defensibility throughout the investigative process.

Module 2: Evidence and Crime Scene Management

This module focuses on preserving the integrity of evidence and ensuring proper handling from discovery through adjudication.

• Crime Scene Processing: Established protocols for securing, documenting, and processing crime scenes to protect evidentiary integrity and prevent contamination or loss.

• Evidence Collection and Preservation: Proper identification, collection, packaging, storage, and chain-of-custody procedures for physical, digital, and forensic evidence.

• Forensic Science Overview: Overview of forensic disciplines and laboratory services, including latent fingerprint analysis, DNA examination, firearms and toolmark analysis, and questioned document evaluation, with emphasis on capabilities and limitations.

• Documentation and Report Writing: Development of clear, accurate, and comprehensive investigative reports that meet legal standards, withstand judicial scrutiny, and support prosecutorial review.

Module 3: Investigative Techniques and Information Gathering

This module addresses practical methods for obtaining, analyzing, and corroborating information.

• Interviews and Interrogations: Lawful and effective techniques for interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects, including cognitive interviewing strategies and recognition of verbal and non-verbal indicators, while safeguarding constitutional rights.

• Surveillance: Legal parameters, methodologies, and operational considerations associated with surveillance and undercover activities.

• Information Sources: Utilization of electronic databases, public records, and confidential informants, including proper documentation, management, and legal considerations.

• Canvassing and Field Operations: Structured approaches to neighborhood canvassing and field inquiries to identify witnesses, gather intelligence, and develop investigative leads.

Module 4: Specialization and Applied Case Studies

This module integrates theory and practice through focused instruction and applied learning.

• Specialized Investigations: Instruction tailored to specific crime categories—such as homicide, property offenses, child abuse, sexual assault, financial crimes, or cyber investigations—emphasizing specialized investigative techniques and legal considerations.

• Practical Exercises and Scenarios: Hands-on training utilizing simulated crime scenes and investigative scenarios to reinforce learned concepts in a controlled, realistic environment.

• Case Analysis: Review and analysis of actual case studies to identify effective investigative strategies, common errors, emerging trends, and the application of modern investigative resources.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, participants are expected to possess the knowledge and skills necessary to initiate, plan, conduct, document, and present investigations in a professional, methodical, and legally sound manner, consistent with applicable laws, policies, and best practices.