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The Art and Science of Criminal Investigation: Responsibilities and Goals

This informative piece delves into the investigative process within criminal justice, exploring reasons to investigate and essential terminology. It emphasizes the goals of criminal investigation and the blend of science and art involved. The text outlines the functions of investigators and the keys to a successful investigation, along with an overview of the investigation process. A comprehensive guide for those working in the field of investigations.

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The Art and Science of Criminal Investigation: Responsibilities and Goals

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  1. The Investigative Process The responsibility of all who work within the field of criminal justice, both public and private investigators

  2. Reasons to investigate: 1. Criminal act – 2. Background check – 3. Department policy – 4. Citizen complaint – 5. Rumors -

  3. Investigative Terminology 1. Crime – “an act or omission forbidden by law, punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or death” 2. Investigation – “a patient inquiry or observation; to trace or track mentally; to search into; to examine” 3. Investigate – to determine if a crime has or has not occurred - vestigare: to track or to trace 4. Criminal Investigation – “a thorough, and objective search for the truth”

  4. Goals • Determine if a crime has been committed • Legally obtain evidence and information to identify suspects • Identification / arrest of suspects • Recover stolen property • Present solid case to prosecutor

  5. Both Science and Art • Laws of nature / scientific principles • Investigator’s ‘ART’ still relied on • Called hunch, gut feeling, or instinct • Experience, observation, and study • Learning / applying / changing

  6. Successful Investigation • Logical sequence followed • Available evidence legally obtained • Witnesses located / effectively interviewed • Suspects effectively / legally interrogated

  7. Success, cont. • Leads thoroughly developed / followed through • Details accurately and completely recorded / reported • Evidence properly packaged / stored • Professional presentation in court - includes evidential testimony

  8. Functions of Investigator • Protect yourself and others - primary function • Provide emergency assistance - if qualified • Secure location / crime scene - already discussed • Initial observation / walk through - understanding of crime

  9. Functions, cont. • Photograph / video / sketch / record • Make notes or recordings to write reports - maintain notebook for court • Search for physical evidence - take custody of - process all evidence • Obtain information from all who have knowledge

  10. Functions, cont. • Identify suspect or primary • Conduct surveillance / stakeouts / other undercover assignments • Conduct raids when necessary • Testify in court

  11. Overview of Investigation • Investigate: determine if crime occurred (Vestigare) • Patient inquiry: reconstruct crime (observation / examination / looking into / searching) • Overriding goal: thorough / objective search for truth • Police want to know: what happened / who is responsible

  12. Overview, cont. • Criminal investigation: - a science and an art a. Science – laws of nature and scientific principles (ballistics, fingerprints and polygraph) b. Art – experience / study / and observation

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