Criminal Investigation Definitions
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of a suspect in a criminal investigation?

A suspect is an individual pointed to by the victim or others as possibly being involved in the crime.

List two general principles that should guide a criminal investigator.

Two principles are 'Truth is Your Goal' and 'Respect for Human Rights'.

What distinguishes a primary source from a secondary source in criminal investigations?

A primary source provides direct evidence from personal knowledge, while a secondary source provides hearsay evidence.

Why is the phrase 'garbage in, garbage out' relevant for investigators?

<p>It emphasizes that the quality of information gathered affects the outcome of the investigation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Can an informant serve as a witness in a judicial proceeding? Why or why not?

<p>No, an informant's statement is considered hearsay and is not admissible as evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of information in the context of criminal investigations?

<p>Information serves as the foundational tool that guides the investigator's approach to solving a crime.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the investigator's personal integrity play in their work?

<p>The investigator's integrity is crucial as it influences trustworthiness and effectiveness in gathering evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify one challenge investigators may face after a crime is committed.

<p>Investigators often must rely on secondary sources since crimes are rarely committed in their presence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of reliable information in criminal investigations?

<p>Reliable information is crucial as it may lead to discovering the missing piece that completes the crime puzzle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between an informant and a confidential informant.

<p>An informant provides information openly or anonymously, while a confidential informant gives information secretly and wishes to remain unidentified.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List two methods through which an investigator can secure information.

<p>An investigator can use tact in their duties and become acquainted with various kinds of people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for investigators to keep permanent records of offenders and informers?

<p>Keeping permanent records helps investigators track potential and actual offenders and maintain a comprehensive overview of criminal activities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do public and private records play in criminal investigations?

<p>Public and private records serve as valuable sources for discovering and identifying suspects, witnesses, and evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can chance memoranda assist investigators?

<p>Chance memoranda can provide unexpected leads or information that might otherwise be overlooked.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of modus operandi files in investigations?

<p>Modus operandi files help investigators understand the style or method used in committing crimes and identify patterns.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the importance of informants in crime investigations.

<p>Informants provide critical information about criminal activities, which can lead to arrests and solving cases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of law enforcement professionals when preparing written reports?

<p>To report only the facts without including personal opinions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List the essential components that should be included in a crime report.

<p>WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, and HOW.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for law enforcement professionals to prevent personal opinions in reports?

<p>Because they are not the Judge or Jury and must allow for objective conclusions based on facts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should an investigator do to prepare for testifying in court?

<p>They must know how to present physical evidence effectively.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify one goal of crime investigation.

<p>To determine if a crime has been committed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mindset should a public safety officer possess as an investigator?

<p>They should be creative, problem solvers, and able to see beyond their immediate situation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can an investigator recover stolen property according to their goals?

<p>By following investigative procedures that lead to identifying and apprehending the suspect.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should an investigator know by heart regarding crime scene preservation?

<p>The general principles and steps of crime scene investigation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main stages of a normal investigation?

<p>Preliminary Investigation and Follow-up Investigation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name four basic tools that investigators use to uncover facts in a case.

<p>Source of Information, Interrogations and Interviews, Observation, and Background Investigation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required of an investigator in terms of mindset towards evidence and suspects?

<p>Investigators must be suspicious of what is obvious and not take anything for granted.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should investigators approach interactions with victims and witnesses?

<p>They should use patience, courtesy, sympathy, and empathy to establish rapport.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What personal characteristics are essential for effective investigations?

<p>Curiosity, an unbiased mind, reason, dedication, patience, and perseverance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define the term 'investigation' as presented in the content.

<p>Investigation is the process of inquiring, eliciting, soliciting, and getting vital information to establish the truth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for investigators to look for patterns and motivations behind crimes?

<p>Identifying patterns and motivations can reveal deeper insights that inform the investigation's direction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does intuition play in the work of an investigator?

<p>Intuition helps investigators make decisions based on experience and subtle cues that may not be immediately apparent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of instrumentation in criminal investigations?

<p>The primary purpose of instrumentation is to apply the methods of physical sciences for detecting crimes through the examination of real evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of eyewitness testimonies in the identification of a criminal.

<p>Eyewitness testimonies serve as crucial elements in identifying a criminal based on the observations made during the crime.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between a confession and an admission in a criminal context.

<p>A confession is a statement acknowledging guilt, while an admission refers to a statement of facts that does not acknowledge criminal intent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is custodial investigation and when does it begin?

<p>Custodial investigation begins when law enforcement focuses on a particular suspect who is in custody, moving from general inquiry to specific interrogation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List the two types of confessions and provide a brief description of each.

<p>The two types of confessions are extrajudicial confessions, which occur outside of court, and judicial confessions, which take place inside a court.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What requirements must be met for an extrajudicial confession to be admissible in evidence?

<p>An extrajudicial confession must be written and signed in the presence of an authorized person or counsel, or with a valid waiver.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the reglementary periods stated in custodial investigations.

<p>The reglementary periods (12, 18, 36, and 72 hours) dictate the time frame in which law enforcement must file a case against a suspect following their arrest without a warrant.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who can be present when an extrajudicial confession is made, and why is their presence important?

<p>A parent, an elder sibling, spouse, municipal judge, or a priest/minister chosen by the confessing person can be present, ensuring the confession is valid and protected.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of surveillance mentioned, and how do they differ?

<p>The two types of surveillance are moving surveillance and fixed (stationary) surveillance. Moving surveillance involves following a suspect while fixed surveillance involves observing from a stationary location.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are informants considered crucial in investigations?

<p>Informants increase investigation accomplishments, provide information beyond interviews, and help infiltrate criminal elements. They also enhance crime prevention and aid in the identification of transient criminals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'tight' surveillance mean?

<p>'Tight' surveillance means that the investigator sticks closely to the subject, trying to avoid being discovered. The goal is to monitor activities while remaining discreet.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List two methods through which information can be obtained in investigations.

<p>Information can be obtained through physical surveillance and undercover operatives. These methods allow law enforcers to gather evidence discreetly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary purposes of using surveillance in investigations?

<p>One primary purpose of using surveillance is to obtain evidence. This evidence can support further legal actions like obtaining search warrants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the importance of evaluating an individual before developing them as an informant.

<p>Evaluating an individual before developing them as an informant is important to ensure reliability and effectiveness. It helps to determine their potential value and risks involved.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'maximum benefits' when using informants?

<p>'Maximum benefits' means that informants should be utilized for the advantage of the entire law enforcement organization rather than for individual gain. This promotes a more effective use of resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why should at least two individuals in a law enforcement agency know the identity of a confidential informant?

<p>At least two individuals should know the identity of a confidential informant to ensure accountability and security. This safeguards the informant's safety and the integrity of information shared.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Criminal Investigation - Definitions

  • Investigation is the act or process of investigating or the condition of being investigated
  • It involves a search or inquiry for facts, detailed examination to discover
  • The Latin term "Investigat" means 'to inquire or to discover' from the 5th century

Modern Definitions of Criminal Investigation

  • Collection and analysis of facts about persons, things, and places related to a crime, to identify the guilty party, locate them, and present admissible evidence for establishing guilt (Cael & Agas, 2000)
  • A logical, objective, and legal inquiry into a possible criminal activity, aiming to answer questions like who, what, where, when, why, and how
  • A legal inquiry into a crime, from a complaint to meticulously observe and trace the circumstances, identify actors, and find evidence to bring violators to justice, and free the innocent
  • A lawful search to find people and things related to a crime, to reconstruct the illegal act, the accompanying mental state, and the truth of the crime as thoroughly as possible

Criminal Investigation Aims

  • Identify the guilty party
  • Locate the guilty party
  • Provide evidence of guilt

Phases of Criminal Investigation

  • Identify the criminal
  • Trace, locate, and arrest the criminal

Goals of Criminal Investigation

  • Determine if a crime was committed
  • Legally obtain information and evidence
  • Identify those involved
  • Arrest perpetrators
  • Recover stolen properties
  • Present a strong case for the prosecution

Criminal Investigation as Science and Art

  • A mixture of art and science
  • Science: guided by rules to conduct successful investigations and the application of pure and applied sciences (increasingly important role in investigation)
  • Art: depends on investigator's skills (interpersonal communication, creativity) and not rigid rules or fixed procedures, based on intuition and chance

Criminal Investigation as a Science

  • Applies knowledge of forensic sciences in identifying, locating, collecting, processing, and evaluating physical evidence

Police Investigator Duties

  • Understand the principles and procedures of crime investigation
  • Establish the six cardinal points of investigation:
    • What specific offense/crime has been committed?
    • When the crime/offense was committed?
    • Why the crime/offense was committed?
    • Where the crime/offense was committed?
    • Who committed the crime/offense?
    • How the crime/offense was committed?

Rules to Remember

  • Reports should include: who the victim is, and who the witnesses are
  • Reports should focus on the facts only, avoid opinions and conclusions

Essential Components of Crime Reports

  • Who the victim(s) is/are?
  • Who the witness(es) is/are?
  • What type of offense?
  • What is the classification of the offense (felony/misdemeanor)?
  • What happened?
  • When did it happen?
  • When was the crime first discovered?
  • Where did the crime occur?
  • Where is the specific address?
  • Why did the crime occur?
  • Why did the suspect commit the offense?
  • Why was the victim involved?
  • Why was the offense reported?
  • How was the offense committed?
  • How many items were stolen?
  • How many victims, witnesses, and suspects?

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Description

Explore the key definitions and concepts of criminal investigation. This quiz delves into both historical and modern perspectives on the inquiry process related to crime, focusing on how facts are collected and analyzed to identify the guilty party. Test your understanding of the legal frameworks and methodologies employed in criminal investigations.

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