NCJ Number
163021
Date Published
1995
Length
103 pages
Annotation
This booklet instructs citizens about general and specific investigative techniques and case processing conducted by criminal justice professionals, as well as ways that victims and witnesses of crimes can assist in the investigation and prosecution of crimes in which they have been involved.
Abstract
Techniques of investigation and interviews are explained to inform the reader about how the police investigate a case and to guide crime victims and witnesses in how they themselves may participate in the obtaining of information that can help solve a case. Guidelines are also provided for victims and witnesses in the development of a description of a suspect. Guidelines for victims and witnesses of specific types of crimes are included as well. These encompass offenses that involve missing persons, sexually abused children, kidnapping, and rape. Guidance for citizen participation in the processing of a case focuses on the trial process, what can be realistically expected from the criminal justice system, how to be an effective witness, how to be an effective juror, and how to prepare a case for court. The concluding chapter explains various legal concepts and procedures pertinent to the investigation and processing of a criminal case.