Investigative Mindset Flashcards
What is an investigative mindset?
An investigative mindset means taking a disciplined approach to gathering, recording, retaining, and presenting evidence.
It includes critical thinking, decision making, the Appreciation Technique, and evaluation.
What values are inherent in the investigative mindset?
Respect, integrity, and professionalism.
These values are developed over time by investigators.
What are the four key areas of knowledge necessary for an investigative mindset?
- Core legislation
- Characteristics of crime
- National policies and procedures
- Investigative techniques
What is meant by ‘material’ in a criminal investigation?
Material is substance of any kind obtained during an investigation that has bearing on an offence or person being investigated.
It can include information, objects, sounds, and images.
What are common sources of material in a criminal investigation?
- Victims
- Witnesses
- Suspects
- Locations
- CCTV recordings
- Telephone records
- Banking records
- Intelligence databases
What formats can material take in a criminal investigation?
- Statements
- Documents
- Reports
- Physical exhibits
- Fingerprints
- Images
- Audio or video recordings
What is the difference between reactive and proactive methods of criminal investigation?
Reactive starts with the discovery of a crime, while proactive starts with information or intelligence analysis.
The two methods often overlap.
What is the importance of starting an investigation quickly after an offence?
It enhances the opportunity to gather the maximum amount of material.
What rules determine the admissibility of material as evidence in court?
The rules are complex and can include hearsay, statements of opinion, expert evidence, and improperly obtained material.
What should an investigator understand about the source of material?
Knowing the origin of the material is essential for effective examination and explanation of its relevance.
What does the principle of planning and preparing entail in an investigation?
Making careful decisions about material collection and setting clear objectives for retrieving material.
What are the three areas of examination when analyzing material?
- Interpret
- Clarify
- Challenge
What does the ABC acronym stand for in the context of challenging material?
- Assume nothing
- Believe nothing
- Corroborate everything
What are the five principles of applying an investigative mindset?
- Understand the source of material
- Plan and prepare
- Examine all material
- Record and collate
- Evaluate
What are the three types of formal evaluation in an investigative mindset?
- Investigative evaluation
- Evidential evaluation
- Self and peer evaluation
What does evidential evaluation consider?
The overall strength of the case and whether sufficient evidence exists against the offender to proceed to charge.
What is the 5WH formula used for in investigations?
Organizing knowledge about the investigation by identifying gaps in material collection.
It stands for Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.
What is a hypothesis in the context of investigation?
A suggested explanation for a group of facts accepted as a basis for further verification.
What is the significance of self and peer review during an investigation?
It helps identify additional lines for enquiry and ensures that decision-making is sound.
What is the importance of testing interpretation throughout an investigation?
It ensures the validity of decision-making and helps identify evidentially weak cases.
What is hypothesising in the context of investigations?
A form of creative thinking that lets you look at knowledge from another perspective (i.e. what if?)
What determines the decision to use hypotheses in investigations?
The amount of material available and whether it is sufficient to support prosecution.
What is the general progression of investigations?
Material gathered generates actions, which in turn generates more material until sufficient evidence is obtained.
What can hypotheses help regain in an investigation?
The momentum of the investigation by generating new lines of inquiry.
