Major Case Management

Managing a major case is among the most challenging managerial functions that anyone in law enforcement can perform, and there are numerous pitfalls to avoid. It is the goal of this book to provide law enforcement managers with the necessary tools and strategies they can use in managing their next major case. Many of these strategies were learned through trial and error. It begins with a look at the various elements of the investigative process. Organization of the investigative unit, whether it is a general assignment or highly specialized unit, is discussed as well as how to determine proper.

In high-profile investigations, when the suspect pool is very large, resources are unduly strained unless the pool can be narrowed down to the most likely offenders. The Persons of Interest Priority Assessment Tool (POIPAT) provides an objective and consistent means of establishing a priority ranking of suspects or persons of interest in any invest

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.

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.

In high-profile investigations, when the suspect pool is very large, resources are unduly strained unless the pool can be narrowed down to the most likely offenders. The Persons of Interest Priority Assessment Tool (POIPAT) provides an objective and consistent means of establishing a priority ranking of suspects or persons of interest in any investigation. Created and used correctly, the tool can determine if any suspect/POI should be considered a high, medium, or low investigative priority, saving time and resources and potentially saving additional victims. Criminal Major Case Management: Persons of Interest Priority Assessment Tool (POIPAT) describes how to set up a POIPAT system for any investigation where there are numerous POIs and limited resources. Using the unsolved Jack the Ripper mystery as a sample case study, it walks readers through the steps of creating and using the POIPAT system. The book begins by providing an overview of offender profiling and the basic considerations for developing elements for a POIPAT. It explains the Element Weighting Chart (EWC) and discusses how many points each element should be weighted based on its level of importance. The author describes how to determine what point totals constitute a high, medium, or low priority so that police managers can know how best to direct their resources. He also discusses tracking how POIs are eliminated through an elimination coding system, thereby avoiding potential duplication and allowing investigators to hone in on the person most likely to have committed the crime. Finally, the book uses the POIPAT system to draw conclusions about some of the best-known suspects who were most likely to have been the real Jack the Ripper. Seeing how the technique is used in a real case, investigators will discover how to effectively create unique POIPATs for their own cases. The downloadable resources contain a template that can be modified for any type of investigation and a number of additional tools and guides.

Criminal Investigation, Second Edition has been updated to reflect current police practices and techniques in investigating and assessing crime scenes. This new edition contains more information on DNA and using technology in investigations, as well as a new case law decision dealing with sufficiency of investigative notes, new images dealing with forensic artistry, and an updated section on conducting a photographic lineup. Based on the author's 32-years experience as a police officer and detective, Criminal Investigation represents personal experiences and lessons from some of the finest investigators, coroners, prosecutors, judges, and other justice professionals. Van Allen introduces the groundwork for beginning an investigation in great detail and provides real case examples from a national perspective.