NCJ Number
245
Date Published
1968
Length
17 pages
Annotation
A GUIDE FOR INVESTIGATING AND PREPARING CASES FOR CRIMINAL PROSECUTION OFFICERS.
Abstract
THE OBJECTIVES OF ANY CASE ARE TO OBTAIN FACTS FOR SOLUTION OF THE CASE AND SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO PROVE THESE FACTS. THE INVESTIGATOR MUST PREPARE A TIME TABLE FROM TIME OF CRIME THROUGH THE TRIAL BASED ON RESPONSIBILITIES OF PERSONS INVOLVED, JURISDICTIONS, LAWS OF SPECIFIC VIOLATIONS, AND STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS. RULES OF EVIDENCE, OR EXCLUSIONS, MUST APPLY THROUGH ALL PHASES OF THE CASE. TYPES OF EVIDENCE ARE DESCRIBED, AND COMMENTS ARE MADE ON USEFULNESS AND LEVELS OF ADMISSIBILITY. METHODS OF WRITING REPORTS, INCLUDING USE OF CHARTS AND DIAGRAMS ARE COVERED. CONCLUSIONS STATE THAT INVESTIGATIVE ACTIVITIES ARE MEANINGLESS UNLESS PROPERLY REPORTED AND PREPARED. LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER'S RESPONSIBILITY DOES NOT END UNTIL THE FACTS ARE FULLY ASSEMBLED AND TESTED FOR PROSECUTION.