Ch. 1 Notes
Goals of Criminal Investigation
-Determine whether a crime has been committed.
-Legally obtain info and evidence to identify the responsible person.
-Arrest the suspect.
-Recover stolen property.
-Present the best possible case to the prosecutor.
Basic Functions of Investigators
-Provide emergency assistance
-Secure the crime scene
-Photograph, Videotape and Sketch
-Take notes and Write reports
-Search for, obtain and process physical evidence
-Obtain info from witnesses and suspects
-Identify suspects
-Conduct raids, surveillances, stakeouts and undercover assignments
-Testify in court
A Successful Investigation
-A logical Sequence is followed
-All physical evidence is legally obtained
-All witnesses are effectively interviewed
-All suspects are legally and effectively interrogated
-All leads are thoroughly developed
-All details of case are accurately and completely recorded and reported
Characteristics of an Investigator
-Culturally adroit
-Self disciplined
-Competitive
-An actor
-Perseverance
-Command Presence
-Act like you know, even if you don’t
-Instill confidence
-Mentally tough
Physical Traits
-Stay in shape (exercise relieves stress)
-“Lead Development”
-Dress for Success
PRIMARY OFFICER is the first officer who responds. They are in charge until relieved by another officer.
Initial Response
-Arrive a crime scene rapidly
-Depends as to role
-Have a “go kit”
-Suspect may be at scene
-Injured need emergency care
-Witnesses may be at scene
-Dying declaration (Admissible in court)
-Weather may destroy crime scene
-Protect integrity of crime scene
Priorities
-Handle emergencies first
-Secure the scene
-Investigate
PROTECTION OF CRIME SCENE- LOCARDS PRINCIPLE OF EXCHANGE, a basic forensic theory that objects that come in contact with each other always transfer material, however minute, to each other.
Responsibilities during Preliminary Investigation
-Questioning victims, witnesses, and suspects
-Conducting a neighborhood canvas
-Measuring, photographing, videotaping, and sketching the scene
-Searching for evidence
-Identifying, collecting, examining, and processing physical evidence
-Recording all statements and observations in notes
Dealing with the Media
-Can be your friend, not always negative
-They have no more rights to crime scenes than the general