NCJ Number
84290
Date Published
1981
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This preliminary investigations manual covers the objectives of a preliminary investigation, verification of occurrence, identification of solvability factors, identification of witnesses, property identification, identifying suspects, suspect vehicle identification, and identifying modus operandi.
Abstract
The primary objective of the preliminary investigation is to determine who committed the crime and to apprehend the criminal. The evidence collected should support the occurrence of a crime, the identification of the defendant, and arrest and subsequent conviction. The initial steps in the preliminary investigation are to respond to the call, document that a crime has happened, determine when the crime occurred, and identify and assist the victim. Solvability factors should then be determined to assess the likelihood that a more extended investigation will yield results. Solvability factors include witnesses to the crime, knowledge of a suspect's name, knowledge of where a suspect can be located, description of a suspect, identification of a suspect, property with identifiable characteristics, a significant modus operandi, significant physical evidence, description of suspect's vehicle, positive results from a crime-scene evidence search, and belief that a crime may be solved with publicity or reasonable additional investigative effort. Steps in pursuing these solvability factors are described, along with the process of communication and decisionmaking.