18 Questions
What is a characteristic of a juvenile burglar?
Leaves a significant amount of evidence at the scene
What is the primary objective of a criminal investigation?
To solve the crime and bring the perpetrator to justice
What is a typical means of entry for an opportunist burglar?
Jimmy entry with screwdrivers
What is the key to the problem of investigating a burglary?
No eye witness and a time lapse between the crime and its discovery
What is a characteristic of a professional burglar?
Has a high level of planning and sophistication
What are the two factors used to determine the skill level of a burglar?
Ability to gain entry and business sense of the burglar
What is the term used to describe the method of operation of a burglar?
Modus operandi
What is the most important phase of a burglary scene investigation?
Means of gaining entry
What is the purpose of examining the point of entry for evidence?
To determine the level of sophistication of the criminal
What is the primary reason why police are restricted to the Alfold search portion of the crime solving process in a burglary investigation?
Burglary is a passive crime and burglars try to avoid contact with the victim or witnesses
What can be positively identified using marks or impressions found in metal?
A particular tool used, such as a screwdriver or pry bar
What is the category of a burglar who is new to the crime and lacks experience?
Novice/amateur
What is the purpose of Modus Operandi in a burglary investigation?
To eliminate and/or focus the burglary investigation on one person or group of persons
What is the importance of examining the point of entry at a burglary scene?
To identify the method of forced entry
What is the purpose of identifying the phases of a burglary scene investigation?
To guide the investigation process
How many factors make up a Modus Operandi in a burglary case?
7
What is a characteristic of an opportunist burglar's search?
Hasty and sloppy
What is the purpose of photographing toolmarks at a burglary scene?
To help identify the accurate measurement and size of the tools used
Study Notes
Burglary Investigation
- The primary objectives of a criminal investigation include identifying the skill level of burglars, examining the point of entry, and identifying the phases of a burglary scene investigation.
Factors Determining Skill Level of Burglars
- Two factors determine the skill level of a burglar:
- Ability to gain entry into a premise
- Business sense in selecting and disposing of loot
Classification of Burglars
- Three categories of burglars based on skill level:
- Novice/Amateur:
- Characterized by juveniles or prowlers
- Leaves most evidence at the scene
- Often commits senseless vandalism
- Steals small items
- Usual means of entry: open door/window, hide in entry, key entry, hit and run
- Opportunist:
- Steals high-value items like guns, drugs, and jewelry
- Has vehicles, partners, fence, and tools
- Often a drug addict
- Usual age group: late teens to early 30s
- Looks for quick hits
- Usual means of entry: jimmy entry, celluloid entry, step over, roof entry, cut in entry, safe burglary
- Professional:
- Planning and sophistication
- Able to beat alarm systems, pick locks, and take out locks
- Has inside information and a ready market for loot
- Few jobs a year
- Older person who leaves least evidence
- Often uses power tools
- Usual means of entry: roof entry, cut in entry, safe burglary, pick lock
- Novice/Amateur:
Phases of Burglary Scene Investigation
- Three phases:
- Means of gaining entry
- Most important phase
- Close examination of point of entry for evidence
- What the burglars did while in the building
- Method of search and items taken help determine the burglar's skill level
- How the burglar exited the premises
- Evidence may be located at point of exit or along path of flight
- Means of gaining entry
Modus Operandi in a Burglary Investigation
- Used to eliminate and/or focus the investigation on one person or group of persons
- Seven factors make up a Modus Operandi in a burglary case:
- Time of day
- Location
- How entrance was gained
- How the search was conducted
- What property was taken
- Removal and escape
- Any unique characteristics
This quiz covers the primary objectives and procedures of conducting a criminal investigation, including the main objectives and steps of a preliminary investigation. It focuses on burglary investigation and crime scene investigation.
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