NCJ Number
65778
Date Published
1978
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS SLIDE PROGRAM DISCUSSES THE WAYS IN WHICH MODERN STATUTES HAVE MODIFIED THE COMMON-LAW DEFINITION OF BURGLARY AND DESCRIBES THE PRINCIPAL TYPES OF BURGLARS AND THEIR METHODS.
Abstract
MOST JURISDICTIONS HAVE EXPANDED THE COMMON-LAW DEFINITION OF BURGLARY BY STATUTE TO INCLUDE CRIMES COMMITTED IN THE DAY AS WELL AS AT NIGHT, IN ANY TYPE OF BUILDING OR VEHICLE, AND WITH THE INTENT OF COMMITTING EITHER GRAND OR PETTY LARCENY. MANY STATUTES ALSO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN TWO DIFFERENT DEGREES OF BURGLARY: FIRST DEGREE BURGLARY, WHICH OCCURS WHEN THE BURGLAR HAS A DEADLY WEAPON OR COMMITS AN ASSAULT; AND SECOND DEGREE BURGLARY, WHICH INCLUDES ALL OTHER CASES. MOST BURGLARS ARE EITHER JUVENILES (OVER HALF OF THOSE ARRESTED FOR BURGLARY ARE UNDER 18 YEARS), PETTY CRIMINALS, OR SKILLED PROFESSIONALS. THE DESIRABILITY OF A BURGLAR'S TARGET DEPENDS UPON THE PROBABLE PROCEEDS FROM THE JOB AND THE EASE WITH WHICH THE TARGET CAN BE ENTERED, THE ESCAPE MADE, AND THE LOOT FENCED. IN HANDLING BURGLARY CASES, INDIVIDUAL AGENCIES DIFFER ON WHETHER OR NOT TO USE A SIREN WHEN RESPONDING TO A BURGLARY. OFFICERS SHOULS WATCH FOR LOOKOUTS THE BURGLARS MAY HAVE POSTED AND SUSPECTS FLEEING THE SCENE OR HIDING IN BUSHES OR TREES. IN ADDITION, THEY SHOULD MAKE AS LITTLE NOISE AS POSSIBLE, ASSUME THAT BURGLARS ARE IN THE BUILDING AND ARMED, TALK TO NEIGHBORS AND PASSERSBY ABOUT SUSPECTS SEEN, AND AVOID HARMING ANY PHYSICAL EVIDENCE THAT MAY BE PRESENT. ADVICE IS GIVEN ON SEARCHING FOR EVIDENCE (FINGERPRINTS, TOOL IMPRESSIONS, FIBERS FROM CLOTHING, OR DRIED BLOOD), INTERVIEWS OF COMPLAINANTS AND WITNESSES, AND HANDLING SUSPECTS (OBTAINING NECESSARY WARRANTS, INTERROGATING SUSPECTS). AN INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE AND STUDY NOTES ARE INCLUDED. (WJR)