A critical study of the provisions of the Texas Private Security Investigators and Private Security Agencies Act. Topics include the impact of the code on procedures and policies, judicial interpretation of statutes and related procedures, and rules and regulations. Satisfies the requirements for Commissioned Security Officer Skill Certification.

Introduction to the field of criminalistics. Topics include the application of scientific and technical methods in the investigation of crime including location, identification, and handling of evidence for scientific analysis.

Current theories and empirical research pertaining to crime and criminal behavior and its causes, methods of prevention, systems of punishment, and rehabilitation.

Investigative theory; collection and preservation of evidence; sources of information; interview and interrogation; uses of forensic sciences; case and trial preparation.

Topics include objectives, preparations, procedures, and methods of crime scene search; value of crime scene sketches and their relationship to crime scene photographs; fingerprints as physical evidence, fingerprint identification and classification, types of impressions and techniques for locating and developing impressions. Satisfies Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Course #2106.

Study of the principles of organizational structure and administration. Topics include theories of management, motivation, and leadership. Focus on a quality approach toward police community interaction.

Ethical philosophies and issues pertaining to the various professions in the criminal justice system. Include ethical issues emanating from constitutional conflict with public protection and individual rights, civil liberties, and correctional policies.

Concepts, investigations process, scene management, required documentation, and case management for incidences of natural, accidental, and suicidal deaths. Follows the Department of Justice National Guidelines for Death Investigations and meets the criteria for academic credit recognition from the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators.

Concepts, investigations process, scene management, required documentation, and case management for incidences of homicide, undetermined causes of death, and sudden infant death. Exploration of various federal, state, and local investigative requirements. Follows the Department of Justice National Guidelines for Death Investigations. Also meets the criteria for academic credit recognition from the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators.

The scientific analysis and examination of physical evidence with emphasis on scientific investigation, recognition, collection, and preservation of evidence. Topics include fingerprints, shoe prints, tool marks, firearms identification, and arson.

The scientific analysis and examination of biological evidence for forensic purposes. Covers blood, bloodstains, other biological fluids and stains, hair, DNA, toxicological evidence, controlled substances, and alcohol.

The use of various forms of forensic field technology, including laser scanners, portable and hand-held instrumentation, and biometric devices to gather evidence in a crime scene.

Techniques and theories regarding dealing with people, their performance and problems. Topics include basic supervision, leadership, time, management, first-line supervision, and management by objectives.

Theory and practice of crime scene investigation. Topics include report writing, blood and other body fluids, document examination, etchings, casts and molds, glass fractures, use of microscope, and firearms identification.

A study of the practical aspects of criminalistics procedures. Topics include crime scene investigation, collecting and preserving evidence, and testifying in court.

A series of lectures and class participation exercise presenting selected topics currently confronting criminal justice personnel and the public they serve.