Managing the Investigative Unit

• NCJ Number: 212416
• Author(s): Daniel S. McDevitt M.S.
• Date Published: 2005
• Length: 209 pages
• Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
• Publication Format: Book (Hardbound)
• Publication Type: Overview Text; Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This book provides the manager of a law enforcement investigative unit with the tools and techniques necessary for the effective management of the unit.

Abstract

In outlining the basics of a criminal investigation, the first chapter describes the nature of a criminal investigation and the investigation process, as well as the findings of the Rand study of criminal investigations. The discussion of the role of patrol in the investigative process addresses the responsibilities of patrol officers in preliminary investigations and models for using patrol in criminal investigations. Chapter three focuses on the organization of the investigative unit, as it discusses specialized compared with nonspecialized organizational divisions and the allocation of resources. Rank, position, and the status of investigators are considered in the fourth chapter, with attention to permanent rank, pay differentials, duty hours, and call-out status. A chapter on factors to consider in selecting investigative personnel is followed by a chapter on the development of new investigators. Chapter seven, which pertains to the supervision of investigative personnel, considers management style, making investigators accountable, and the span of personnel control. The chapter on case management explains case screening, assignment, reporting, review, and status; an investigative filing system; the security of investigative information; and investigative planning. Two chapters address the management of a confidential-source program and the supervision of undercover personnel as well as raid and arrest planning. A chapter on the evaluation of investigative personnel discusses common errors during evaluations, the evaluation process, and the designing of a customized evaluation instrument. The concluding chapter addresses aspects of managing marginal performers in the investigative unit. Seven appendixes provide supplementary instruction and sample forms used by an investigative unit. A subject index