Criminal Investigations Flashcards
What three steps define criminal investigations?
1) observation and inquiry
2) observation and inquiry to reconstruct events
3) a specific form of research
What is the specific form of research in criminal investigations?
A) it’s a science: has certain steps and procedures, may/may not be in order.
B) a systematic approach to find facts, simple refined observation.
What are the three reasons for investigations and reports?
1) to determine what happened
2) to identify the predator
3) to prosecute and convict
What are some key pieces to identifying a scene?
1) identifying the extent of the scene: how many locations, multiple Crime scenes/victims
2) assess personnel/materials needed-level of crime scene knowledge
3) motive for crime money, sex, revenge, fear
4) weapon or tool used: what did the suspect take/bring/or leave at scene
What steps should you follow to process the scene?
1) secure the scene, preserve evidence
2) try to have one OIC (officer in charge) and one seizing evidence
3) search for critical evidence vs supporting evidence vs property
4) record the scene, photos, videos, sketches
What is evidence?
Anything that tends to prove or disprove facts.
- It proves commission of crime, shows identity of suspects, links them to crime/victims.
- Shoes how crime was committed
During the initial investigation, what are some things to be aware of during the procedure?
Arrive safely
Be aware of surroundings-you are most important person there
Render aid
Preserve the evidence, be aware of tunnel vision
What are keys to identifying a perpetrator?
Victim knows the suspect
Witness knows the suspect
Suspect developed from database/similar cases
Anonymous tips
What is a blinded presentation?
The presenter knows the suspect but presents it in such a way that the presenter cannot see which photo is the suspect being displayed
What is a confidence statement?
This should be done after a pick…A witness statement about their confidence that the selection is the suspect.
-taken immediately after after a pick has been made.
What is the context of identification?
Time of day when witness observed
Where was the witness
What was witness doing
Where was suspect
What are some witness factors?
Any vision problems/glasses/contacts
Intoxication/sleeping
Injuries
What is a sequential line up?
You need to present head and shoulder pics
Display 6pics one at a time
Place in numbered folders
Presenter should not know which pic is suspect
Have someone else put folders together
Do not put suspect in folder 1 don’t used sequential line up for victims or suspects under 12
What is specialized assistance?
Assistance required at a scene anytime an agency does not have the resources
Can request cover, medical or an ME
Must request ASAP
What procedures must be followed during participation of other agencies?
- follow department policy
- contact supervisors from each agency
- determine who is in charge
