Criminal Investigation

The manner in which criminal investigators are trained is neither uniform nor consistent, ranging from sophisticated training protocols in some departments to on-the-job experience alongside senior investigators in others. Ideal for students taking a first course in the subject as well as professionals in need of a refresher, Introduction to Criminal Investigation uses an accessible format to convey concepts in practical, concrete terms. Topics discussed include: The history of criminal investigation in Western society Qualifications for becoming an investigator, the selection process, and ideal training requirements Crime scene search techniques, including planning and post-search debriefing Preparing effective field notes and investigative reports Interviewing and interrogating Types of evidence found at the crime scene and how to collect, package, and preserve it The contributions of forensic science to criminal investigations and the equipment used in crime labs Investigative protocol for a range of crimes, including property crimes, auto theft, arson, financial crimes, homicide, assault, sex crimes, and robbery Specialized investigations, including drug trafficking, cybercrime, and gang-related crime Legal issues involved in criminal investigations and preparing a case for trial Bringing together contributions from law enforcement personnel, academics, and attorneys, the book combines practical and theoretical elements to provide a comprehensive examination of today‘s criminal investigative process. The accessible manner in which the information is conveyed makes this an ideal text for a wide-ranging audience.

This text presents the fundamentals of criminal investigation and provides a sound method for reconstructing a past event (i.e., a crime), based on three major sources of information — people, records, and physical evidence. Its tried-and-true system for conducting an investigation is updated with the latest techniques available, teaching the reader new ways of obtaining information from people, including mining the social media outlets now used by a broad spectrum of the public; how to navigate the labyrinth of records and files currently available online; and fresh ways of gathering, identifying, and analyzing physical evidence.

Criminal investigators need broad knowledge of such topics as criminal law, criminal procedure, and investigative techniques. The best resource for these professionals will distill the needed information into one practical volume. Written in an accessible style, the fourth edition of Criminal Investigation maintains the same reader friendly approac

Avoid Major Investigative Traps What causes competent and dedicated investigators to make avoidable mistakes, jeopardizing the successful resolution of their cases? Authored by a 21-year police veteran and university research professor, Criminal Investigative Failures comprehensively defines and discusses the causes and problems most common to failed investigations. More importantly, it outlines realistic strategies for avoiding investigative pitfalls. Illuminated with case studies, this practical resource examines three main reasons for investigative failure: Cognitive biases, such as tunnel vision, that lead to mistakes in reasoning Organizational traps, such as groupthink, that investigators fall prey to within their agencies Probability errors, such as the prosecutor’s fallacy, in forensic science and criminal profiling The Dangers of Assumptions and Organizational Ego Authoritative contributors from a variety of disciplines elaborate on the aforementioned core points with commentary and case studies of well-known crimes. Written in a quick-to-grasp style, this useful text provides practical advice for avoiding investigative failures. It is an invaluable reference for investigators looking to prevent future failures of justice and find the truth.

This book is a lucid and practical guide to understanding the core skills and issues involved in the criminal investigation process. Drawing on multiple disciplines and perspectives, the book promotes a critical awareness and practical comprehension of the intersections between criminology, criminal investigation and forensic science, and uses active learning strategies to help students build their knowledge. The book is organised around the three key strategic phases in a criminal investigation: - Instigation and Initial Response - The Investigation - Case Management Each strategic phase of the investigative process is carefully explained and examined. Alongside this practical approach, theoretical perspectives and academic research are laid bare for students. Introducing Forensic and Criminal Investigation is essential reading for students in criminology, criminal justice, policing, forensic psychology and related courses.

Criminal investigation has a high profile in the media, and has attracted widespread interest. Within the police it has been a rapidly developing field. Important scientific and technological developments have had a considerable impact on practice, and significant steps have been taken in the direction of professionalizing the whole process of investigation. Within police studies criminal investigation has now emerged as an important sub-discipline. Criminal Investigation provides an authoritative and highly readable introduction to the subject from somebody ideally placed to write about it, focusing on how police practitioners carry out investigations. It looks systematically at the purpose and role of criminal investigation; the legal, policy and organizational context in which criminal investigation takes place; the evidence and information that criminal investigators seek; the process and methods of criminal investigation; the knowledge, techniques and decision making abilities that practitioners require to carry out criminal investigations; how and why it is that some crimes are solved and some are not; the supervision of criminal investigation; and a review of some of the key contemporary issues that have a bearing on criminal investigation. Criminal Investigation will be essential reading for both policing practitioners (student police officers as well as officers taking higher levels of CPD within the police service) and students taking courses in criminal investigation, forensic sciences and investigation, police studies and police science, and other courses where a knowledge of criminal investigation is required.

A candid, real-world look at investigations, from crime scene to courtroom, shared by an ACTUAL investigator. No ivory tower theory. Just the real deal! A seasoned investigator taps his years of street experience to teach you the: - Core qualities that make for a great investigator - Important legalities that impact investigations - Crime scene protocols that must be followed - Best follow-up investigation strategies - Keys to dealing with eyewitnesses - Aspects of Interview and Interrogation - Steps in solving Major Crimes Each chapter includes summary questions for discussion and review.

Criminal Investigation, Fourth Edition, offers a comprehensive and engaging examination of criminal investigation and the vital role criminal evidence plays in the process. The text focuses on the five critical areas essential to understanding criminal investigations: background and contextual issues, criminal evidence, legal procedures, evidence collection procedures, and forensic science. In this new edition, esteemed author Steven G. Brandl goes beyond a simple how-to on investigative procedures and analyzes modern research and actual investigative cases to demonstrate their importance in the real world of criminal justice. New to the Fourth Edition: New and updated statistical information, research findings, investigative procedures, and legal cases ensure you are learning about the most current research in the field. Several new “From the Case File” chapter introductions and 25 new in-chapter “Case-in-Point” investigative case examples make it easier for you to connect the content to the real world. More than 75 new photos, most of which are case photos from actual investigations, illustrate key concepts to help keep you engaged with the content. New material on documenting evidence via reports provides examples of well-written police reports to help you build better writing skills. New material on social media and evidence from electronic digital devices discusses how to use new technology as a source of information. A stronger focus on terrorism and the use of technology in investigations encourages you to discuss and critically analyze the future of criminal investigations. New sections titled “Mental Mistakes in Criminal Investigations,” “Perspectives on the Criminal Investigation Process,” and “Qualities and Characteristics of Investigators” offer you tips and advice for conducting successful investigations. New material on touch DNA helps you see the benefits and limitations of scientific evidence gathered from a crime scene.