Criminal Investigation: An Overview Chapter 1 Criminal Investigation: An Overview

Criminal Investigation Defined An investigation is a patient, step-by step inquiry or observation, a careful examination, a recording of evidence or a legal inquiry. Investigate is derived from the Latin word investigare, meaning “to track or trace.”

Crimes Defined I A crime is an act in violation of penal law and an offense against the state. A felony is a serious crime, graver than a misdemeanor, generally punishable by death or imprisonment of more than one year in a penitentiary.

Crimes Defined II A misdemeanor is a crime or offense that is less serious than a felony and punishable by fine or imprisonment of up to one year in an institution other than a penitentiary. A criminal statute is a legislative act relating to a crime and its punishment. An ordinance is an act of the legislative body of a municipality or county relating to all the rules governing it, including misdemeanors.

Goals of Criminal Investigation Determine whether a crime has been committed. Legally obtain information and evidence to identify the responsible person. Arrest the suspect. Recover stolen property. Present the best possible case to the prosecutor.

Examples of Trace Evidence Fingerprints Small particles of glass Dirt Footprints Body hairs Clothing fiber

Successful Investigation Follow a logical sequence Legally obtain all physical evidence Effectively interview all witnesses Legally and effectively interrogate all suspects Thoroughly develop all leads Record and report all details of the case

Always Remember Determining the truth is more important than obtaining a conviction or closing a case.

Functions Investigators Perform Obtain information from witnesses and suspects Identify suspects Conduct raids, surveillances, stakeouts, and undercover assignments Testify in court Provide emergency assistance Secure the crime scene Photograph, videotape, and sketch Take notes and write reports Search for, obtain, and process physical evidence

Facts, Inferences, and Opinions Fact: an action, an event, a circumstance, or an actual thing done. Inference: a process of reasoning by which a fact may be deduced. Opinion: a personal belief.

Preliminary Investigation: Basic Considerations I Initial response Point of arrival Setting priorities Handle emergencies first Secure the scene Investigate

Preliminary Investigation: Basic Considerations II Handling emergency situations Suspect near or at the scene Suspect recently fled Person seriously injured Dead body Protecting the crime scene

Responsibilities of Preliminary Investigation Measuring, photographing, videotaping, and sketching a scene Searching for evidence Identifying, collecting, examining, and processing physical evidence Questioning victims, witnesses, and suspects Recording all statements and observations in notes

Crime Analysis Crime analysis is the systematic gathering, evaluation, and analysis of information on individuals and/or activities suspected of being, or known to be, criminal in nature.

Facts in Support of Crime Mapping Two-thirds of all crime occurs indoors, not visible to the police. Most serious crimes are perpetrated within a short time frame. Patrol officers intercept less than 1 percent of street crimes. The same 10 percent of locations within a jurisdiction generate approximately 65 percent of that jurisdiction’s total calls for service.

Forensic Science/Criminalistics The application of physical and biological sciences and technology to the scientific examination of physical evidence.

Basic Needs of Victims Victims need to feel safe Victims need to express their emotions Victims need to know “what comes next” after their victimization

Avoiding Civil Liability Against Police Officers Effective policies and procedures clearly communicated to all. Thorough and continuous training. Proper supervision and discipline. Accurate, thorough police reports.