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Northern Essex Community College

Module 8: Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science

Review all module materials and expectations carefully before beginning your work.

Module Overview

In this module, you will examine the investigative function of law enforcement and the important role that forensic science plays in modern criminal investigations. Criminal investigations seek to identify offenders, gather evidence, establish facts, and support successful criminal prosecutions. Investigators must combine legal knowledge, critical thinking, interviewing techniques, and scientific evidence to reconstruct events and develop cases.

You will explore the relationship between criminalistics and forensic science, the collection and preservation of evidence, and the growing role of technology in criminal investigations. Particular attention will be given to digital evidence and social media investigations, which have become increasingly important tools for identifying suspects, documenting criminal activity, and corroborating evidence.

Through readings, discussions, case studies, and applied learning activities, you will evaluate investigative techniques, analyze the use of forensic evidence, and examine how investigators build criminal cases from initial reports through final prosecution.

Important: Carefully review all module materials, instructions, and grading expectations before beginning any activity.

Student Learning Outcomes
  • Examine investigative methods and forensic techniques used by law enforcement agencies. (SLO6)
  • Evaluate how technology and scientific evidence contribute to contemporary criminal investigations. (SLO6)
What You Will Do
  • Complete assigned readings and instructional materials covering criminal investigations and forensic science.
  • Examine the differences between criminalistics and forensic science.
  • Explore the role of physical evidence, forensic testing, and crime scene processing.
  • Evaluate how social media and digital technologies are used in criminal investigations.
  • Participate in the module discussion analyzing forensic science and the use of social networking platforms in investigations.
  • Complete the writing assignment examining investigative stages and activities used in the Rachel Hoffman case.
  • Analyze how investigators gather, evaluate, and present evidence during criminal investigations.
  • Review instructor feedback and module expectations.
  • Review all materials carefully before beginning assignments.
  • Follow assignment instructions and grading rubrics closely.
  • Proofread all submissions before posting or uploading.
  • Ask questions early if anything is unclear.