A Christian University & Bible College in Texas (Assemblies of God)

SAGU Debuts Crime Scene Investigation Course

SAGU recently introduced a new course within the Criminal Justice program called “Criminal Investigation.”  Professor Bruce Stayments is teaching the course this spring semester.  Criminal Investigation examines the practical procedures, techniques and applications of private and public investigations.  It provides students with a foundational understanding of the field of criminal investigation and teaches the basics of conducting a systematic crime scene investigation.

The Criminal Investigation class introduces students to basic concepts, methods and issues in modern professional criminal investigations as well as the context, role, and ethical and legal standards of police officers, investigators, and agencies.  Topics include documenting the crime scene, forensics, identifying and arresting suspects, robbery, illegal drugs, and terrorism.

Stayments is implementing various hands-on activities in the class. “The classroom theoretical gives the student a broad brush stroke understanding of the vastness of the investigatory process,” Stayments commented.  “Then by participating in the hands-on field exercises, in somewhat of a mock/realistic setting, the student gains appreciation and understanding of requirements of personnel in the field.”

Activities include identifying evidence and examining various types of evidence in order to understand the realistic capabilities of each category.  This semester, the class investigated a mock scene in a hallway of the Full Life Center.  Students also participate in mock witness interviews and suspect interrogation scenarios.

At the conclusion of the course, students will demonstrate mastery of the subject areas by conducting a mock crime scene investigation from start to finish, including application for warrants and making an arrest in the case. 

According to Stayments, “In this course, students gain appreciation for the intricacies of the investigations process and gain understanding and respect for our legal system and appreciation for its participants.  It’s really a pivotal course.”