1 Book Cover Here Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved Chapter 14 RECONSTRUCTING THE PAST Methods, Evidence, Examples Criminal Investigation: A Method for Reconstructing the Past, 7 th Edition

2 METHODS OF INQUIRY Induction Deduction Classification Synthesis Analysis Hypothesis Theory A priori A posteriori - The Scientific Method ( A way of observing, thinking about, solving problems objectively and systematically.) - Definitions: Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

3 Definitions Induction: The process of reasoning beginning with specific information to form a general conclusion Deduction: The process of reasoning that begins with a generalization and moves to a particular or specific conclusion (fact) Classification: The systematic arrangement of objects into categories that have one or more traits in common Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

4 Definitions Synthesis: The combining of separate parts or elements that lead toward a conclusion Analysis: Examines all information available in an effort to separate the data into relevant parts for further study Hypothesis: Forms the basis for an examination of information to form an assertion or tentative guess Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

5 Definitions Theory: A scheme of thought with assumptions chosen to fit empirical knowledge or observations. (Relationship between phenomena.) A priori (“from the previous cause”): Deductive or theoretical reasoning based on cause and effect, where a conclusion is based on self evident principles A posteriori: Inductive reasoning based on empirical facts acquired through experience or experimentation to form general principles Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

6 Problem Identification Two problem situations within the criminal justice system: – When a crime occurs on the borderline of two jurisdictions Has to be determined between investigators Publicity Chance of making a “good arrest” – When it is difficult to determine what crime was committed Elements of major crime are considered Seek legal counsel (i.e. District Attorney) Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

7 Scientific Reasoning Applied to a Criminal Investigation 1.State the problem 2.Form the Hypothesis 3.Collect Data 4.Interpret the Data (Restate problem?) 5.Collect Additional Data (if hypothesis supported) 6.Draw Conclusions Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

8 Reconstructing the Past: Sources of Information People Physical Evidence Records Innovative Applications – Garbageology – Discarded material can be revealing when analyzing present-day consumption (consumer trends). – Data Mining – Using computers to explore and retrieve stored information from private companies. (Relational databases, algorithms, artificial intelligence.) Formulate probability estimates and test theories. Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

9 Further Commentary on the Investigative Process Luck or Creativity? (We create our own luck – preparation and identifying opportunity.) Investigative Mind-Set (Not a set-mind) Interrogation/interview, surveillance. The Development of Mind-Set (Open Minded) Perseverance / Ability to “think outside the box” Evidence and Proof (Chapter 16) We Profile Behavior Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

10 Investigation … Art or Science?? View as a continuum – Separation point for criminal investigation is moving by degrees toward science Field is becoming a focus of academic study and research – Impact of forensic science is felt more and more – Physics / Chemistry Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

11 Investigation vs. Intelligence Investigation explores the past, what has already happened based on information. Intelligence explores what may happen based on information. Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

12 Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved