Criminal Justice (CRIJ)

Courses

CRIJ 1301 Introduction to Criminal Justice: 3 semester hours.

Inquiry and evaluation of the principles, philosophy and history of criminal justice including the constitutional restraints imposed on criminal justice officials. Emphasis will be on the criminal justice officials' role in the prevention and control of crime and delinquency. Requires effective written, oral and visual expression of ideas. Students will compare empirical and quantitative data on typologies of crime, offenders and victims in America. The course addresses cultural and sub-cultural influences on crime, justice, civic responsibility and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national and global communities to understand crime and crime prevention.

CRIJ 1306 Court Systems and Practices: 3 semester hours.

The legal procedures for arrest, complaint, presentation before the magistrate, grand jury consideration, indictment or waiver, arraignment, and the admissibility of evidence on these issues; pretrial matters, post-verdict motions, sentencing, and appeal.

CRIJ 1307 Crime in America: 3 semester hours.

The course requires that students critically examine and analyze crime issues and trends in America. It includes presentations from active practitioners and researchers in the field of criminal justice on the current state of crime in America and an examination of offenders' rationale for crime. Students will express their ideas effectively through written, oral or visual means. They will compare empirical and quantitative data on typologies of crime, offenders and victims in America. The course addresses cultural and subcultural influences on crime, civic engagement and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national and global communities toward crime prevention.

CRIJ 1313 Juvenile Justice Systems: 3 semester hours.

An overview of the Juvenile Justice System including research and theoretical perspectives. It includes an in-depth study of the system and early decision-making process with focus on the police, the juvenile courts and the limits on juvenile sanctions. Community-based corrections with a historical perspective on juvenile probation and juvenile aftercare are also examined. A thorough working knowledge of institutionalization in terms of the treatment of juvenile offenders is provided.

CRIJ 2301 Alternatives to Incarceration: 3 semester hours.

An examination of various correctional alternatives to incarceration including probation, parole, developments in the technological monitoring of offenders, and community-based reintegration and rehabilitation efforts.

CRIJ 2311 Intro Geog Info System: 3 semester hours.

An introduction to the fundamentals of Geographic Information System (GIS) and science and art of making maps. The course introduces students to the basic principles of using GIS as tool for managing and analyzing spatial data. Cross-Listed Course: GEOG 2311.

CRIJ 2313 Correctional Systems and Practices: 3 semester hours.

An examination of the organization, administration and management of correctional facilities and programs in the United States. It includes a study of the populations served, sentencing structures and their outcomes for the individuals, families and communities involved.

CRIJ 2314 Introduction to Criminal Investigation and Identification: 3 semester hours.

A survey of scientific crime detection methods, the identification and presentation of evidence. Instrumentation, and crime report writing.

CRIJ 2323 Criminal Procedure: 3 semester hours.

An examination of the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendments regarding search and seizure, warrant requirements, the right to counsel, confessions, and the admissibility of evidence.

CRIJ 2328 Police Systems and Practices: 3 semester hours.

A study of the structural aspects and principles of personnel management, program development, fiscal management, and other major components of police organization.

CRIJ 2343 Police Community Relations: 3 semester hours.

An examination of various aspects of police- community relations. It includes the effects of various forms of policing styles on community dynamics, misperceptions and bias on the part of both communities and the police. Other topics include civil rights and civil liberties as they relate to law enforcement policy.

CRIJ 2344 Introduction to Homeland Security: 3 semester hours.

The course will introduce students to the history of the Department of Homeland Security as a federal entity and homeland security as an area of study in the United States. It will include major research and theoretical perspectives that have resulted in significant initiatives to keep persons in the United States safe from various threats.

CRIJ 2345 Introduction to Terrorism: 3 semester hours.

The study of the history and development of terrorism the various types of terrorism, including narcoterrorism, religious terrorism, state-sponsored terrorism and domestic terrorism. Emphasis will be placed on counter-terrorism program.

CRIJ 2348 Introduction to Emergency Management: 3 semester hours.

This course presents the theories, principles, and approaches to managing both natural and man-made emergencies. The philosophy of Comprehensive Emergency Management will be discussed with the four attendant steps which include mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. An analysis of past disasters will be presented along with their impacts on policy formation leading up to the current FEMA all-hazards approach. The role, duties, an importance of the Emergency Manager will be discussed. Finally, legal issues involving emergency management will be presented.

CRIJ 2366 Evidence Law: 3 semester hours.

A study of Evidence Law with an emphasis on burden of proof, relevance, judicial notices, real and demonstrative evidence (including documents), the Hearsay Rule and its exceptions, privileges, unlawfully obtained evidence, and presumptions of guilt and innocence.

CRIJ 2372 Theory and Development of Juvenile Gangs: 3 semester hours.

This course is a comprehensive, in-depth coverage of historical and contemporary reactions to juvenile gangs. Among the key areas to be covered will be the legal and social definitions of juvenile delinquency, the theories, the social context, and the institutional responses. An understanding of public policy and its impact on juvenile gangs will complete the course.

CRIJ 2374 Law of Juvenile Justice: 3 semester hours.

The course offers an examination of both substantive and procedural laws related to juvenile justice including criminal law, criminal procedure, evidence, and family codes. The course also examines the institutions that enforce these laws and the principal actors involved. Finally, the course examines current trends and projections in juvenile justice.

CRIJ 2381 Fundamentals of Cybersecurity: 3 semester hours.

An introduction to the interface necessary for functioning effectively in various areas of criminal justice. The course also examines how the use of computers and related technology has changed the process of maintaining law and order nationally and internationally. It includes a review of social engineering techniques (ways that people might enhance personal and institutional security) and the field of computer forensics.

CRIJ 2391 Practical Forensic Science: 3 semester hours.

Introduces forensic crime scene investigation (CSI) and examines methods utilized in the forensic analysis of crime scenes, pattern evidence, instruments, firearms, questionsed documents, and controlled substances.

CRIJ 3331 Prevention and Control: 3 semester hours.

A systematic examination of various crime control efforts involving primary and secondary prevention and the implementation of treatment programs. The course also offers a review of the best practices in crime control and prevention.

CRIJ 3346 Transnational Crimes: 3 semester hours.

The study of criminal behavior that transcends traditional national boundaries. The course will focus on the origins of these types of crimes and the efforts of law enforcement to address them. Cyber-terrorism, cyber-crimes, human trafficking, drug trafficking and other international crimes will be reviewed.

CRIJ 3348 Cyber Terrorism and Cyber Defense: 3 semester hours.

An introduction to the realities and possibilities of cyberterrorism both from domestic and international actors. The course offers examinations of national security policies and strategies employed or available as options for cyber defense.

CRIJ 3351 Crime Scene Investigation: 3 semester hours.

An introduction to the techniques and tools for investigating a crime scene. Legal aspects of the processes relevant to various types of evidence are reviewed and practiced given legal standards for evidence.

CRIJ 3352 Forensic Investigation of Sex Crimes: 3 semester hours.

The investigation of sex crimes is a specific function for many criminal justice agencies, requiring an understanding of how to investigate, process crime scenes, interact with victims and offenders, and prepare for court.

CRIJ 3353 Technology and Crime: 3 semester hours.

A review of trends, and techniques involved in the use of technology to commit crime, or as the target of the crime. There is also a focus on investigative tools and technique for extracting evidence from technological sources, given legal and professional standards of evidence.

CRIJ 3354 Forensic Photography: 3 semester hours.

An introduction to the techniques of forensic photography, including step-by-step process of handling crime scene evidence and maintenance of the crime scene, digital imaging, and the technology of the future.

CRIJ 3362 Criminal Law: 3 semester hours.

A study of basic principles of substantive criminal law which include definitions of crimes against persons and property. Emphasis is on the Texas Penal Code as it pertains to murder, capital murder, voluntary homicide, criminal negligence, homicide, and sexual offenses. Additional focus will be placed on the Texas Penal Code related to arson, robbery, burglary, theft, forgery, embezzlement, and false pretense.

CRIJ 3365 Drugs, Crime and Society: 3 semester hours.

This course will examine the relationship between drugs, alcohol, crime and human behavior. It will include an examination of the social construction of drug issues, the war on drugs, drug control policy, and the function of drugs in popular cultural mediums. The course will also examine topics that include asset forfeiture, the confidential informant role in drug enforcement, drug ethnography, the leading theories of drug use and abuse, community and corrections-based substance abuse treatment, and drug enforcement strategies.

CRIJ 3373 Juvenile Probation and Parole: 3 semester hours.

A survey and analysis of juvenile probation aftercare. The course addresses the history and legal aspects of probation, role and responsibilities of the juvenile probation officer including pre-sentence investigation reports, conducting risk assessment, case planning, caseload supervision, probation officer safety, professional ethics, and trends in the field.

CRIJ 3382 Criminal Justice Research Methods I: 3 semester hours.

An introduction to research techniques such as formulating research questions, research design, and data collection methods such as surveys and case studies. The course also examines research ethics, locating data and navigating the special requirements for conducting research with protected populations such as incarcerated adults and juveniles. Students are also introduced to computer applications for research.

CRIJ 3393 Minorities and the Criminal Justice System: 3 semester hours.

An analysis of problems frequently encountered by minorities in the American justice system. This includes police-minority confrontations, an examination of possible bias throughout various levels of the justice system and the contributions of minority criminal justice practitioners, scholars, and activists to the development of the field of criminal justice.

CRIJ 4332 Criminal Justice Management Principles: 3 semester hours.

A study of basic criminal justice management theories and contemporary practices. This includes an examination of the unique behaviors, social skills and organizational techniques necessary for the criminal justice professional to be successful in various settings. Special attention is given to relating effectively with superiors, colleagues, subordinates and various members of the public impacted by criminal justice agencies.

CRIJ 4333 Enterprise Cyber Security: 3 semester hours.

The course will provide students with essential knowledge in data security and the technology involved in securing data. It will also provide a forum to bring in current issues in the MIS area such as information security, big data, mobile/wireless technology, cloud computing, and project management. Students will gain insight into the importance of cybersecurity and the integral role of cybersecurity professionals in data security. Cross-Listed Course: MISY 4332
Prerequisites: MISY 3332 or MISY 3323 and (MISY 2301 or MISY 2013) and (MISY 1305 or MISY 1013).

CRIJ 4347 Digital Forensics Investigations: 3 semester hours.

An introduction to the principles, practices, and common tools currently utilized by digital forensic investigators. The course offers practice utilizing the procedures and techniques for digital investigators involving various technological devices, networks, and cloud spaces. It reviews the relevant investigative standards for digital evidence in legal proceeding and expected credentials to utilize various digital investigative devices responsibly.

CRIJ 4349 Contemporary Issues: 3 semester hours.

Focus on recent significant and controversial issues which affect the administration of justice especially in law enforcement, the courts and corrections.

CRIJ 4354 Interview and Interrogation Techniques: 3 semester hours.

The course introduces techniques of interviewing victims and witnesses and interrogating suspects and includes legal issues and various methods to enhance information obtained including analysis of verbal and non-verbal actions and how they relate to truth or deception of persons during the interview process.

CRIJ 4355 Death Investigations: 3 semester hours.

The course provides an overview of various investigative methods utilized in general death investigation, as well as specific investigations involving suicides, accidents, homicides, and child deaths. The importance of crime scene analysis; investigative processes; crime scene management; case management, and scientific tools necessary for death investigations will be discussed.

CRIJ 4356 Enterprise Crime Investigation: 3 semester hours.

This course provides an overview of enterprise crime including the definitions and types of criminal activity that encompass enterprise crime. The impact of enterprise crime and criminal enterprise groups on local and global communities will also be examined. The importance of enterprise crime investigations along with the investigative tools an techniques will be discussed.

CRIJ 4361 Courtroom Testimony and Procedure: 3 semester hours.

This course covers the historical and contemporary issues surrounding courtroom evidence and focuses on testimony decisions, preparation for trial of expert and lay witnesses, and procedures used in presenting the evidence.

CRIJ 4362 Evidence Processing: 3 semester hours.

The course introduces students to analysis of Latent Print and trail (blood, tire tracks, liquids, etc.) processing. Primary emphasis is on fingerprint evidence, crime scene management, recognition, documentation, preservation, and processing of crime scene evidence.

CRIJ 4365 Constitutional Rights of the Criminally Accused: 3 semester hours.

A study of the rights of the criminally accused according to the United States Constitution.

CRIJ 4379 Women in Criminal Justice: 3 semester hours.

An Ideological and historical analysis of the role of women and criminal justice as reformers, professional, scholars and as offender.

CRIJ 4383 Criminal Justice Research Methods II: 3 semester hours.

Direction in performing an original research project. This involves an examination of how a choice of research question influences methodology. Basic statistical concepts and techniques for obtaining and analyzing large quantitative data sets will be reviewed. The course also examines techniques for conducting qualitative research and a familiarity with the latest qualitative research software packages.
Prerequisites: CRIJ 3382.

CRIJ 4391 Comparative Criminal Justice Systems: 3 semester hours.

An analysis of criminal justice systems and institutions outside of the United States.

CRIJ 4392 Criminology: 3 semester hours.

Focus will be a comprehensive analysis of the sociological, psychological and biological aspects of deviant human behavior.

CRIJ 4395 Special Topics in Criminal Justice: 3 semester hours.

This course has a revolving theme from semester to semester. Theme areas include but are not limited to policing, courts, corrections, ethics, women and crime, economics and crime, white collar crime, terrorism, consensual crime, victimology, alternative dispute resolution, media influences and special topics in juvenile justice. (May be repeated once for credit as the course theme changes).

CRIJ 4396 Philosophy of Crime: 3 semester hours.

An examination of religious and economic principles as they shape the definition and response to crime. This includes an analysis of specific concepts such as guilt, shame, care, love, desire and dignity on the evolution of deviance and crime across time and place in the western world.

CRIJ 4398 Ethical Decision-Making in Criminal Justice: 3 semester hours.

An overview of ethical theories, concepts, and issues. Illustrates the major unethical themes common in Criminal Justice management. Illustrates ethical dilemmas in policing, courts, prisons, community corrections, and crime prevention. The class works together to develop foundational ethical truths upon which to logically develop practice of moral decision making.

CRIJ 4399 Independent Study: 3 semester hours.

Readings, research or fieldwork on selected topics.

CRIJ 4641 Undergraduate Internship in Criminal Justice: 6 semester hours.

A student may be required to satisfactorily complete a minimum of 200 hours (over the course of a semester) of the internship in an approved criminal justice setting preferably between the junior and senior year. This internship program is specifically designed to acquaint the student with practical aspects of criminal justice.

CRIJ 4671 Internship in Criminal Justice and Criminalistics: 3-6 semester hour.

A student may be required to complete satisfactorily a minimum of 200 hours imternship at an approved crimnal justice /criminalistic setting preferably in the senior year during a regular semester. This internship program is specifically designed to acquaint the student with practical aspects of criminal justice/criminalistic.