Homicide Investigation: From the First Call to the Courtroom for New Detectives and Criminal Investigators

This course is designed for newly assigned homicide investigators, aiming to prepare them to effectively manage homicide investigations from the initial dispatch through arrest and prosecution. Students will learn investigative leadership skills, crime scene management, victimology, forensic evidence recognition, witness development, interviewing, digital evidence collection, search warrants, case organization, and courtroom preparation through classroom instruction and practical exercises.
Emphasis is placed on effective decision-making during the first 24 hours of the investigation, recognizing that early investigative actions frequently determine the ultimate success or failure of a homicide investigation.
Course Objectives
At the completion of this course students will be able to:
1. Describe the responsibilities of the homicide investigator.
2. Explain investigative priorities during the initial response.
3. Establish command of a homicide scene.
4. Coordinate crime scene processing.
5. Conduct effective victimology.
6. Develop investigative timelines.
7. Conduct neighborhood canvasses.
8. Identify and interview witnesses.
9. Conduct legally sound suspect interviews.
10. Utilize digital evidence.
11. Work effectively with the Coroner or Medical Examiner.
12. Prepare search warrants.
13. Organize a homicide case file.
14. Present investigative findings to prosecutors.