Crime Scene Investigation - Theft Investigation

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective of a criminal investigation in a theft case?

To identify the party responsible for completing the investigation

To determine the gravity of the offense based on the value of the property (correct)

To recover the stolen property

To write a report for public relations

What type of crime is theft generally considered to be?

A crime of passion

A crime of design

A crime of deceit

A crime of opportunity (correct)

What is the impact of extreme dollar loss due to theft on the community?

It leads to lower prices

It is made up in higher prices (correct)

It has no effect on prices

It leads to better public relations

What is the role of patrol officers in theft investigations?

To respond to calls and take initial reports Signup and view all the answers

What determines whether a theft case is a felony or a misdemeanor?

The value of the property stolen Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a felony regardless of value?

Pickpocketing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of the investigating officer in a theft case?

To determine the value of the stolen property Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge in investigating thefts?

Time favors the thief Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between an inter-state shipment and an intra-state shipment?

The agency responsible for investigating thefts from each type of shipment Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step when arriving at a theft crime scene?

Identify witnesses Signup and view all the answers

What is the objective of identifying the different styles of stealing offenses?

To describe how to investigate each type of offense Signup and view all the answers

What type of investigation involves the connection between two or more states?

Inter-state investigation Signup and view all the answers

What is a common type of theft in which an individual embezzles monies or products from an account?

Systematic stealing Signup and view all the answers

What is the best method for catching a thief who is committing till tapping?

Surveillance Signup and view all the answers

What is required for thefts involving the U.S. Mail?

Notification of the postal inspector Signup and view all the answers

What is a common challenge in investigating thefts that involve shipment of goods and services across state lines?

Cooperation between law enforcement agencies Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conducting a systematic and thorough investigation of a theft?

To gather evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the investigating officer in a theft investigation?

To take the report and notify the local officer of the FBI Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Theft Investigation

A brief overview of the primary objectives of a criminal investigation is presented, including the procedure for conducting the investigation and the main objectives and steps taken in a preliminary investigation.

Objectives

Identify a common problem associated with theft investigations.
Identify the normal procedure for handling felony and misdemeanor theft cases.
Identify the procedure for reporting thefts from the U.S. Mail and the party responsible for completing the investigation.
Identify the difference between an inter-state shipment and an intra-state shipment, and the agency responsible for investigating each.
Identify the different styles of stealing offenses and how to investigate each.

Investigation

Theft is the most common of crimes for gain and is often a crime of opportunity.
The value of the property taken determines the gravity of the offense, how it will be prosecuted, and by whom the offense will be prosecuted.

Points to Remember when Investigating Thefts

The value of the property taken determines the gravity of the offense, how it will be prosecuted, and by whom the offense will be prosecuted.
Some exceptions to this rule include:
- If the suspect has physically taken the property from the person of the victim, it is a felony regardless of value (e.g. pick-pocketing, purse snatching).
- Any credit card or letter of credit is always a felony.
- Any firearm is a felony.
- Any narcotic drug is a felony.
- Any animal is a felony.

Problems with Theft Investigation

Most investigations of thefts involve past crimes, making it difficult to investigate.
Time favors the thief, and the time element in these past crimes does not encourage the officer.
Crimes of violence have an inherent motivation for the officer; in thefts, the officer must seek motivation within himself/herself and his/her personal occupational goals for effective work.

Selected Theft Investigations

Shoplifters
Theft investigation

Investigative Points to Remember

Always check the area of the theft for evidence, even if none is apparent.
Conduct area canvass in an attempt to locate witnesses.
Remember that misdemeanor theft violations may be prosecuted under county or municipal ordinance.
Thefts involving the U.S. Mail will require the notification of the postal inspector and may be prosecuted on the federal level.
Investigations that occur within a state can be investigated by your agency, your state's agency, or both of your agencies.
Inter-state investigations will require the cooperation of your agency and the federal investigation agencies.
Systematic stealing involves the continual process of larceny in which an individual(s) may embezzle monies or products from an account in a stealth method.
Stealing by deceit involves replacing accounts with false information, numbers, or placing an object in an effort to fool another.
Till tapping or embezzlement involves taking monies from a container by small amounts in order to prevent others from knowing.

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Description

This quiz covers the primary objectives of a criminal investigation, procedures for conducting an investigation, and the main objectives and steps taken in a preliminary investigation.