NCJ Number
193376
Date Published
2001
Length
588 pages
Annotation
This book explains the fundamentals of a criminal investigation.
Abstract
An overview of a criminal investigation is given in Chapter 1. This includes the history of criminal investigation, research, the objectives, types, and modes of investigation, and the role of the investigator. Chapter 2 details the preliminary investigation with the role of evidence, the first officer’s responsibilities, securing the scene, and performing follow-up investigation included. The investigative process, including field notes and reports, photographing the crime scene, and the crime scene sketch, are discussed in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 describes issues of search and seizure, such as legal guidelines, exclusionary rule, warrants, and rules for collecting evidence. In Chapter 5 the identification of criminal suspects is described as well as the role of the crime laboratory, fingerprinting, DNA, handwriting analysis, composites, and police lineups. Chapter 6 describes the criminal intelligence function and procedures for intelligence gathering, analyzing information, and the RISS projects. The process of making an arrest is discussed in Chapter 7. Interview and interrogation procedures are described in Chapter 8. Chapter 9 describes the development and management of informants. Interpersonal violence cases, such as wrongful death, robbery, assault and related offenses, sex offenses, and child abuse and neglect are discussed in Chapters 10 through 14. Property crimes, such as burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, arson, and bombings are described in Chapters 15 through 18. Vice crimes and related offenses, such as drug and white collar, are described in Chapters 19 and 20. Prosecution and preparation for court, including pretrial procedures, the criminal trial process, witness preparation, and the role of the expert witness are described in Chapter 21. The preparation of an investigator as a professional witness is detailed in this chapter. 3 appendices, index