Course Overview
This course will introduce you to the various structured analytical techniques that are commonly used throughout the Crime Analysis Cycle as it is applied in Canadian violent crime investigations. You will learn the best practices in analytical software, techniques, and methods used by analysts in major case management for violent crimes, such as homicide, serious assaults, sex offences, extortion, kidnapping, and missing persons. You will also learn how to collect and evaluate publicly available information when completing analytical tasks for crimes of violence.
Prerequisite(s)
- 60% in FSCT 8436
Credits
3.0
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Domestic fees
$871.22
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Apply critical-thinking skills to assess the relevance, reliability, and validity of data collected during violent crime investigations.
- Use GIS software to prepare crime maps for violent crimes analysis, using temporal and spatial data.
- Analyze a variety of sources to develop offender profiles and timelines.
- Identify crime patterns and similar fact analysis in relation to a violent crime, such as analyzing witness statements and open source information.
- Prepare a threat assessment related to an individual’s propensity for violence.
- Complete an intermediate-level communications analysis, which includes phone records and cell tower information.
- Create an intermediate-level link association, timeline, or event flow, and commodity flow charts for violent crime investigation.
- Design and prepare an intermediate tactical crime analysis bulletin related to violent crime.
- Prepare a report and then give a verbal presentation of your analysis that could be used as court testimony.
Effective as of Winter 2024
Related Programs
Major Crimes Analysis (FSCT 8481) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Forensic Investigation (Crime and Intelligence Analysis Option)
Advanced Certificate Part-time
- Forensic Investigation (Crime and Intelligence Analysis Option)
Bachelor of Technology Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of FSCT 8481 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 42475
Dates
Sep 19 - Nov 14 Loading
- CRN 42475
- $871.22 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
5 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- This course will be offered ONLINE and classes will be taught LIVE via MS Teams on these specific Saturdays (Sept 19, Oct 3, Oct 17, Oct 31 and Nov 14). Attendance is strongly advised for success. There is no required textbook. Instructor will distribute course materials in class. Course information will be found in the Learning Hub. Students who have been accepted into a Forensics program where this course is a part of the matrix may register without any further approvals. Students who are not currently accepted in a Forensics program or, if this course is NOT part of your program matrix, please contact the Program Assistants for departmental approval at BCIT_Forensics@bcit.ca.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.