NCJ Number
145164
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 60 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1993) Pages: 73-76
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes techniques for investigating drug cases when the suspects are Chinese.
Abstract
Officers who interview or debrief Chinese sources of information should follow certain guidelines. First, Chinese information sources should write Chinese names mentioned in Chinese characters. Next, investigators must determine how the source knows the name at issue is written as indicated. Investigators should also record nicknames and their written versions in characters. Any special significance or origin that attaches to the name should be determined. The debriefing program should always address the financial aspects of the illegal business activities of the organization. The investigation must go beyond the apparent "hands-on" violator. By placing the emphasis on "role" as a key factor, those already linked to the event may suggest the roles of others involved. The case manager should develop a picture, model, or rating of the organization under investigation. The creation of a computer database and a photobook is an important step in the analysis/interpretation process, because it can help put the face with a name. Once a tentative identification is made, a photographic identification is the next step. Ways of dealing with language barriers in criminal investigations are also discussed.