Intro to investigations

Question 1

what are methods of evidence gathering?

Answer 1

interviewing Questions Docs
report writing Photography
Undercover Ops Lab Exams
Search Warrants Store Fronts
GJ Subpoenas Mail Covers
Money Tracing

Question 2

Additional methods of evidence gathering:

Answer 2

trash pick ups Fingerprinting
Computer Forensics Pen-Registers
Line-Ups Database checks
Polygraphs DNA Testing
Wiretaps 6 picture photo spread
Informants CJ records Check
Pen Link analysis

Question 3

What are the stages of the judicial process?

Answer 3

Pre-Indictment Federal Grand Jury
Indictment/Information Criminal Processing
Initial Appearance Preliminary Exam
Arraignment Pre-trial motions
Pre-trial depositions Discovery/Inspection
Trial Prep Jury Selection
Criminal Trial Sentencing
Punishment/Probation

Question 4

Where does the Secret Service get its authority?

Answer 4

18 USC 3056

Question 5

What are the 4 phases of USSS investigations?

Answer 5

Initiation
Investigation
Prosecution
Close Out

Question 6

What are the 4 ways information on a crime can come to you? (Initiation)

Answer 6

Private Sector Referrals
Proactive Agent Development
Internal Agency Referral
External Agency Referral

Question 7

What are the parts that make up the case number?

ex. J-311-724-47777-S

Answer 7

J = Judicial - once any sort of judicial action has taken place a J is added 
311 = the office code
724 = Primary case type (ex. Bank Fraud)
477777 = unique case # assigned by office 
S = Special case, always added to criminal cases

Question 8

What is a case ticker?

Answer 8

Electronic case assignment record

Question 9

What do the following initials stand for? (Investigative) 
CID
FSD
TSD
ISD
IOD

Answer 9

CID - Crim investigative Division (Global type field office, help on Int’l crimes)
FSD - Forensic Sciences Division (counterfeit, ink, video analysis, fingerprints)
TSD - Technical Services Division (pole cameras, body wires)
ISD - Investigative Support Division (support on investigations, NCIC entries, admin work)
IOD - Investigation Other District (get info on your case from another field office)

Question 10

What are some Outside investigative resources available to help out with your case? (Investigative)

Answer 10

US Atty Office 
State Employment/Tax Office/Clerk of courts
Utility Companies 
Bank and Retail investigators 
Other LE agencies 
USPS Postal Inspectors 
State business incorp records

Question 11

What is a “blanket declination”? (Prosecution)

Answer 11

When a US Atty will not prosecute if the amount of your case falls below a certain threshold

Question 12

What can you do if the AUSA refuses your case? (Prosecution)

Answer 12

refer to local PD or State Attorney

Question 13

When do you dispose of your evidence in the case?

Answer 13

During the “Close Out” phase, after your case is adjudicated, and the AUSA authorizes you to do so.

Question 14

What do you do if the AUSA gives you a blanket declination or declines your case?

Answer 14

Draft a declination letter for the file

Question 15

What is the final step in closing your file after the evidence is disposed of?

Answer 15

draft a closing report for the file

Question 16

How many days do you get to serve a Search Warrant once it is issued?

Answer 16

14 days

Question 17

What is the Public Safety exception to Miranda?

Answer 17

When confronted by a concern for public safety, Miranda warnings need not be provided prior to asking questions directed at neutralizing an imminent threat, and voluntary statements made in response to such narrowly tailored questions can be admitted at trial.