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What is the primary objective of a criminal investigation in a theft case?
What is the primary objective of a criminal investigation in a theft case?
What type of crime is theft generally considered to be?
What type of crime is theft generally considered to be?
What is the impact of extreme dollar loss due to theft on the community?
What is the impact of extreme dollar loss due to theft on the community?
What is the role of patrol officers in theft investigations?
What is the role of patrol officers in theft investigations?
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What determines whether a theft case is a felony or a misdemeanor?
What determines whether a theft case is a felony or a misdemeanor?
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What is considered a felony regardless of value?
What is considered a felony regardless of value?
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What is the primary concern of the investigating officer in a theft case?
What is the primary concern of the investigating officer in a theft case?
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What is a challenge in investigating thefts?
What is a challenge in investigating thefts?
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What is the difference between an inter-state shipment and an intra-state shipment?
What is the difference between an inter-state shipment and an intra-state shipment?
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What is the first step when arriving at a theft crime scene?
What is the first step when arriving at a theft crime scene?
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What is the objective of identifying the different styles of stealing offenses?
What is the objective of identifying the different styles of stealing offenses?
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What type of investigation involves the connection between two or more states?
What type of investigation involves the connection between two or more states?
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What is a common type of theft in which an individual embezzles monies or products from an account?
What is a common type of theft in which an individual embezzles monies or products from an account?
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What is the best method for catching a thief who is committing till tapping?
What is the best method for catching a thief who is committing till tapping?
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What is required for thefts involving the U.S. Mail?
What is required for thefts involving the U.S. Mail?
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What is a common challenge in investigating thefts that involve shipment of goods and services across state lines?
What is a common challenge in investigating thefts that involve shipment of goods and services across state lines?
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What is the purpose of conducting a systematic and thorough investigation of a theft?
What is the purpose of conducting a systematic and thorough investigation of a theft?
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What is the primary goal of the investigating officer in a theft investigation?
What is the primary goal of the investigating officer in a theft investigation?
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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.