Module 1 Decision Making Flashcards
What is decision making?
A core skill required is the ability to make the appropriate decisions that you can justify to others.
What is the process that good decisions are reached?
- Acknowledge that a situation or problem exists. - What is the problem here or what will be the problem soon?
- Identify, isolate and analyse the problem clearly. ASK - What do I think the problem is?
- Can I state it clearly to define it to others?
- What do I already know about it? - Formulate a clear objective
- What are we aiming to achieve? - Gather all the data and information required to determine the ways in which the aim might be achieved.
- Draw up a list, based on the information of all the possible ways in which the aim might be achieved.
- Weigh and study each of these alternatives.
- Prepare a plan for putting the selected course into action.
What factors affect decision making
INDIVIDUAL BIAS
- May be affected by an individuals perception, people, places and situations. eg. perceptions based on prejudice, diversity and criminal record.
VERIFICATION BIAS
- Decisions that support a certain point of view and overlooking other alternative lines of enquiry or sources. eg a witness account that wrongfully identifies an offender.
AVAILABILITY ERROR
- Bases their decisions on material that is vivid and dramatic but may not necessarily reflect the scope of material available. eg focusing on victims account and overlooking forensic evidence.
What is the summary of decision making?
The more serious the consequence of the decision, the closer it must be examined.
What is appropriate and accountable decision making, based on an investigators knowledge?
The legal frame work, characteristics of crime, national policies and procedures. The experienced investigator “knows” and is able to quickly make appropriate decisions a wealth of knowledge about legislation and the characteristics of crime.
