Real World Criminal Case-

JUS 201: Final Project Guidelines and Rubric
Overview
Criminal investigators are often called upon to differentiate their investigative methods based upon the particular fact pattern and needs of a given
case. These fact patterns and needs will vary from case to case.
Main Elements
Topic: Specialized Investigative Methods
For your paper, conduct research and identify a real-world criminal case requiring the use of specialized investigative methods. Your paper will
address how you, as an investigator, will work this case and include the following elements:
 What investigative strategies will you put into play to solve this criminal offense?
 What resources or techniques would you use to obtain and follow leads?
 What fundamentals of investigation would you rely on to identify the perpetrator and build a solid case that will result in the arrest and
conviction of your suspect?
 What are the strengths and limitations of these techniques in context with the case?
Format
The following is a guideline for the research paper. Please make sure to include all requirements. The paper should be a minimum of 8 to 10 pages
in length, not including title page, summary, or reference page (typewritten, double spaced, 1″ margins, 12 pt. Times New Roman font). Students
should give proper credit to sources by using the APA manual of style for citations. Your resources should be a combination of scholarly articles,
journals, and reputable internet resources.
1. Cover Page
2. Executive Summary Page: Introduce the content
3. The Case: Provide an overview of your case
4. Special Unit or Specialized Officers: Discuss whether specialized units or officers are used to address your case. Under what conditions?
5. The Strategies: Articulate the course of action, techniques, and resources you would utilize as a lead investigator to address thefollowing:
a) Documenting the crime scene
b) Gathering evidence (procedures, chain of custody, cataloging)
c) Interview/interrogation protocols
d) Reporting
e) Implications for the prosecution of a criminal case
6. Conclusion: Can include implications for advancements in the field with these techniques
7. Reference Page
Deliverable Milestones
Milestone Deliverables Module Due Grading
1 Submit Topic, Brief Description, and 3
APA references
Two None
2 Final Product: Completed Research
Paper on Specialized Investigative
Methods
Seven Final Project Guidelines and Rubric
Rubric
Requirements of submission: Written components of projects must follow these formatting guidelines when applicable: double spacing, 12-point Times New
Roman font, one-inch margins, and discipline-appropriate citations.
Critical Elements Exemplary (100%) Proficient (85%) Needs Improvement (55%) Not Evident (0%) Value
Main Elements Includes almost all of the main
elements and requirements
and cites multiple examples to
illustrate each element
Includes most of the main
elements and requirements and
cites many examples to illustrate
each element
Includes some of the main
elements and requirements
Does not include any of the
main elements and
requirements
25
Inquiry and Analysis Explores multiple issues
through extensive collection
and in-depth analysis of
evidence to make informed
conclusions
Explores some issues through
collection and in-depth analysis
of evidence to make informed
conclusions
Explores minimal issues
through collection and
analysis of evidence to make
informed conclusions
Does not explore issues
through collection and
analysis of evidence and does
not make informed
conclusions
20
Integration and
Application
All of the course concepts and
theories from scholarly
resources and course material
are correctly applied
Most of the course concepts and
theories from scholarly resources
and course material are correctly
applied
Some of the course concepts
and theories from scholarly
resources and course
material are correctly applied
Does not correctly apply any
of the course concepts or
theories from scholarly
resources and course material
10
Critical Thinking Demonstrates comprehensive
exploration of issues and ideas
before accepting or forming an
opinion or conclusion
Demonstrates moderate
exploration of issues and ideas
before accepting or forming an
opinion or conclusion
Demonstrates minimal
exploration of issues and
ideas before accepting or
forming an opinion or
conclusion
Does not demonstrate
exploration of issues and
ideas before accepting or
forming an opinion or
conclusion
20
Research Incorporates many scholarly
resources effectively that
reflect depth and breadth of
research
Incorporates some scholarly
resources effectively that reflect
depth and breadth of research
Incorporates very few
scholarly resources that
reflect depth and breadth of
research
Does not incorporate
scholarly resources that
reflect depth and breadth of
research
15
Writing
(Mechanics/Citations)
No errors related to
organization, grammar and
style, and citations
Minor errors related to
organization, grammar and style,
and citations
Some errors related to
organization, grammar and
style, and citations
Major errors related to
organization, grammar and
style, and citations
10
Total 100%