NCJ Number
212739
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 72 Issue: 12 Dated: December 2005 Pages: 30-36
Date Published
December 2005
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article presents an eight-step analytical process for conducting criminal investigations.
Abstract
First, use strategic targeting, which involves deploying resources under criteria that identify the cases likely to have the greatest impact in a specific area. This applies in both preventing and reacting to crimes. Second, complete up-front background investigations on every potential target. Background investigations can include checking local, county, and State police files, Regional Information Sharing System program files, and various Federal files. Commercial databases can also provide information on people and trends. Third, use an investigative plan, which involves identifying and organizing what is required to complete an investigation. The plan should include the objective of the investigation, potential information sources, investigative resources needed, estimated timeline for completing the work, and the estimated likelihood of success. Fourth, expand the use of critical thinking. When thinking critically about what is known and what is not known in a case, questions are generated that may help to explore what is currently unknown. Fifth, apply problem-solving methods. This requires that the context of the crime be examined to determine whether it is connected to other criminal activity or a particular environment. Sixth, thoroughly organize case data. Reviewing the material thoroughly, inventorying it, and organizing it into files with an index allows investigators to find critical data easily. Seventh, use data analysis techniques to show complex situations simply, so as to understand the relationships of events, actions, and people being investigated. Eighth, develop an analytic case package for prosecution. This package should include a graphic that explains the case, a summary of the case and all the major players, a listing of what proofs are currently held by the agency and the additional evidence needed, and an inventory of case documents.