The Investigative Process Flashcards
A fact-finding activity that involves searching, examining, observing, collecting data, and studying this information in order to respond to a particular inquiry or address a complaint.
An investigation
The 6 stages if the investigative process:
1) Deciding whether to investigate
2) Selecting an investigator
3) Planning, articulating objectives, & developing methodology for investigation
4) Obtaining information
5) Preparing the investigative reporting
6) Managerial decision-making based on the investigative fact-finding
The 5 key components of most investigations:
1) Objectivity
2) Thoroughness
3) Relevance
4) Accuracy
5) Timelininess
Investigations: Any fact, regardless of its significance to preconceived ideas, is accepted
Objectivity
Investigations: All investigative leads are verified in order to achieve consistency in the results
Thoroughness
Investigations: Information should be corroborated through differing sources as a means to achieve thoughtfulness and fairness
Thoroughness
Investigations: Any information developed must pertain to the focus of the investigation
Relevance
Investigations: Unrelated information should not askew the quality of the information pertaining to the subject of the investigation
Relevance
Investigations: Data that can be verified and quantified should be scientifically measured
Accuracy
Investigations: Confidential sources should be tested on the quality of information provided
Accuracy
Investigations: All information must be examined for inherent contradictions
Accuracy
Investigations: The ability to complete an investigation within a reasonable period of time.
Timeliness
Investigative efforts made in haste may jeopardize what?
The quality of the inquiry
The 3 goals of an investigation:
1) Identify parties involved
2) Identify sources that can provide information
3) Present evidentiary factors to support investigative findings
What are the 6 basic questions of an investigation?
1) Who?
2) What happened?
3) Where?
4) When?
5) How?
6) Why?
What are the 3 tools of the investigator?
The 3 I’s:
1) Information
2) Interrogation
3) Instrumentation
The knowledge which the inviestigator obtains from other persons
Information
The skillful questioning of witnesses as well as suspects
Interrogation
methods of physical science used to detect crime (eg physics, biology, and pathology)
Instrumentation
What are the 3 main types of investigations?
1) Applicant & background investigations
2) Incident investigations
3) Administrative inquiries
