Criminal Investigation Introduction

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What is the primary focus of training for entrant officers in criminal investigations?

A mindset of criminal investigations

What is the 'call to court philosophy' in criminal investigations?

The uniform officer is the final investigator and responsible for collecting evidence

What is the benefit of a more thorough and complete investigation in larger agencies?

It improves the quality of evidence collected

What is the primary objective of a successful criminal investigation?

To collect evidence and build a strong case Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of uniform officers in smaller agencies?

They conduct their own investigations and collect evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the resources available to an investigator in a criminal investigation?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a criminal investigation?

To determine if a crime has been committed Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a neighborhood canvass?

To search for additional witnesses or information sources Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of maintaining the crime scene?

Preserving evidence and not disturbing the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of documenting information during an investigation?

To accurately recall events and write a complete report Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to adopt a systematic procedure to interview witnesses and victims?

To better evaluate the truthfulness of a suspect Signup and view all the answers

What is a key element to a successful prosecution?

Conducting a complete and professional investigation Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when arriving at the crime scene?

Proceed to the scene quickly and without delay but safely Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for performing a protective sweep of the crime scene?

To identify threats and keep all safe Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to identify witnesses at the scene?

To expand the witness list Signup and view all the answers

When is it necessary to conduct emergency medical care and assistance for victims?

When a scene is not safe Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when conducting a preliminary investigation?

Locate and identify witnesses, conduct a neighborhood canvass, and more Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to understand how people react to trauma or serious crime events?

To restore order quickly and tactfully and get much-needed information Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children?

To work with law enforcement, families, and professionals on issues related to missing and exploited children Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the State Technical Assistance Team (STAT)?

To facilitate cooperation and coordination among professional organizations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the 'three I's' in an investigation?

To classify and define the resources available to an investigator Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of Interrogation in the context of an investigation?

The skillful questioning of suspects and uncooperative witnesses Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of requesting additional resources and equipment in an investigation?

To support investigative operations as needed Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Major Case Squads in an investigation?

To respond to the command post within three hours of the discovery of the crime Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of Information in the context of an investigation?

The gathering of knowledge from other persons Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of Instrumentation in the context of an investigation?

The application of instruments and methods of the physical science to the detection of crime Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of STAT in addressing problems in communities?

To coordinate activities among various agencies Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Cyber Crimes task forces?

To prevent various types of online crimes Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the prosecuting attorney's office in legal criminal investigations?

To act as legal advisor for all legal criminal investigations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of crime laboratories?

To process and analyze physical evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a forensic anthropologist?

To apply techniques to assist in the recovery of remains Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Heart of America Regional Computer Forensics Lab?

To examine electronic evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a forensic entomologist?

To study insect and other arthropod biology in criminal matters Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a Medical Examiner, Coroner, or Forensic Pathologist?

To be discussed in the death investigation section Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the AMBER Alert?

To broadcast information about missing children across all media resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (MOICAC)?

To assist with computer crime-related investigations Signup and view all the answers

When does the preliminary investigation of a crime begin?

When the officer is assigned to the case Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for initiating the preliminary investigation?

The first officer to arrive on the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate objective of a criminal investigation?

To present the case to the court of law Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the first officer on the scene?

Initiating the preliminary investigation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a BOLO?

To alert other officers to search for the suspect Signup and view all the answers

What is included in a BOLO?

The type of crime and suspect's physical description Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of processing the crime scene?

To collect and preserve evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the first officer on the scene in the preliminary investigation?

To initiate the preliminary investigation and protect the crime scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of the preliminary investigation?

To present a strong case to the court of law Signup and view all the answers

When does the responsibility of the first officer on the scene end?

When they are relieved by someone of higher rank or authority Signup and view all the answers

What is the phone number to call for questions or issues when filling out the Missouri Amber Alert form?

(573) 751-1000 Signup and view all the answers

Where should the completed Missouri Amber Alert form be sent by fax?

Missouri Amber Alert Notification (573) 751-6814 Signup and view all the answers

What happens upon receipt of the faxed Missouri Amber Alert form?

You will be contacted by phone to verify the alert Signup and view all the answers

How are multi-state alerts accomplished?

By sending a standard police dispatch to the Missouri control terminal with a specific format Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you need further assistance from other states?

Contact the adjacent states directly Signup and view all the answers

Who is eligible for victim compensation in Missouri?

Missouri residents who were victims of a crime in any state Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Safe at Home program?

To conceal the location of victims of domestic violence or stalking Signup and view all the answers

What must an officer disclose to the prosecuting attorney if they have been found to have provided untruthful information?

The untruthfulness and any conclusive information regarding it Signup and view all the answers

What is the first priority when officers arrive at the scene of a crime where injured persons are present?

Giving aid to the injured persons Signup and view all the answers

What is one action taken to protect the crime scene?

Roping off certain critical exits or apertures Signup and view all the answers

Who can obtain victim applications and information from?

The Crime Victims' Compensation Program Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of providing a substitute address in the Safe at Home program?

To conceal the victim's true address Signup and view all the answers

What happens to an officer who is found to have provided untruthful information in an official investigation?

They are terminated from the agency Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern at the initial stage of a crime investigation?

Giving aid to injured persons and protecting the crime scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of an officer's untruthfulness being disclosed to the prosecuting attorney?

The prosecuting attorney advises all defense attorneys of the officer's misconduct Signup and view all the answers

What is the order of the physical descriptors of suspects in the CYMBOL method?

Race, Age, Height, and Weight Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conducting a neighborhood canvass?

To locate individuals who might have knowledge of the crime Signup and view all the answers

When should a neighborhood canvass be conducted?

When persons live or work in close proximity to the crime scene Signup and view all the answers

What information should be included in a report detailing a neighborhood canvass?

Name, identification, address, and telephone number of individuals contacted Signup and view all the answers

What type of interrogations must be recorded when feasible?

All custodial interrogations of suspects Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Missouri Crime Victims' Compensation Fund?

To reimburse crime victims for certain financial losses Signup and view all the answers

Who is eligible for compensation under the Missouri Crime Victims' Compensation Fund?

Victims of violent crimes who have suffered personal bodily injury Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of conducting an area canvass in the same general time frame as the occurrence of the event?

It helps officers to recognize valuable leads Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with a list of addresses not contacted during an area canvass?

It should be followed up on and completed Signup and view all the answers

Why may an officer not be required to record an interrogation?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary intent of protecting the crime scene?

To preserve the physical aspects of the scene for later review Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when processing a crime scene?

Unnecessary walking about and touching surfaces Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical step in the Missouri Amber Alert System?

Verifying the more stringent Missouri Amber Alert criteria have been met Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when arriving at the crime scene?

Take immediate action to prevent contamination of the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Missouri Amber Alert System?

To aid in the recovery of abducted persons Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with items that are likely to be destroyed by the elements?

Move them to a secure location Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the first officer on the scene?

To preserve the physical aspects of the scene Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when the search has been completed?

Release the crime scene to the public Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of documenting information during an investigation?

To provide a detailed record of events Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when processing a crime scene?

Take notes and document information about the scene Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Basic Investigation

The primary objectives of a criminal investigation are:
- To determine if a crime has been committed
- To identify and apprehend the offender
- To gather and preserve evidence
- To recover stolen property
A successful investigation increases the chances of identifying the suspect(s) and taking the case through successful prosecution

Crime Scene Response

Proceed to the scene quickly and safely
Perform a protective sweep of the crime scene upon arrival
Handle emergency situations (injuries, medical emergencies, dangerous conditions)
Secure the scene
Request additional resources and equipment as needed

Investigative Resources

Information:
- Regular sources (good citizens, company records, other agencies' files)
- Cultivated sources (paid informants, cab drivers, bartenders)
Interrogation:
- Skillful questioning of suspects and uncooperative witnesses
Instrumentation:
- Application of instruments and methods of physical science to the detection of crime
- Fingerprint systems, polygraph, communications systems, surveillance equipment
Major Case Squads: well-trained and equipped criminal investigators from other departments
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: provides resources and support for missing and exploited children cases
STAT-State Technical Assistance Team: facilitates cooperation and coordination among agencies
MIAC — Missouri Information Analysis Center: provides intelligence and analysis
AMBER Alert: broadcasts of missing children and suspect information
Cyber Crimes task forces: assist with computer crime related investigations
Legal Resources: prosecuting attorney's office
Physical Evidence: crime scene investigators, crime laboratories, forensic specialists
Electronic Evidence: requires specialized examination and handling

Preliminary Investigation

Begins when an officer is assigned to the call
First officer on the scene has the responsibility of initiating the preliminary investigation
Steps involved in the preliminary investigation:
- Apprehension of suspects
- Processing of crime scene
- Recording factual data
- Initiating the preliminary investigation
First officer's actions or inactions at the scene can greatly contribute to the success or failure of the investigation

Flash Description

A "BOLO" (Be on the Lookout) is a flash description of a suspect's physical description and/or vehicle information
Components of a flash description:
- Type of crime
- Number of suspects involved
- Physical descriptors of the suspects
- Vehicle description

Neighborhood Canvass

Purpose: to locate individuals in the area who might have knowledge of the crime
Characteristics:
- Conducted when persons live or work in close proximity to the crime scene
- Conducted when there is a strong likelihood that there was a witness to the crime
- Conducted when the crime scene was serious and every possible tactic/resource should be used to solve it

Recording Suspect Criminal Interrogations

Requirements:
- All custodial interrogations of persons suspected of committing certain criminal offenses shall be recorded when feasible
- Formats: audiotape, videotape, or digital recording
- Interrogations required to be recorded:
  - Murder in the first degree
  - Murder in the second degree
  - Assault in the first degree
  - ... (and other specified offenses)### Statutory Crimes and Interrogations
Statutory rape in the first degree is a criminal offense
Statutory sodomy in the first degree is a criminal offense
Child abuse and kidnapping are criminal offenses
Interrogations may be recorded in any circumstance, with or without the suspect's knowledge or consent
Exceptions to recording interrogations include:
- Suspect requests no recording
- Interrogation occurs outside Missouri
- Exigent public safety circumstances prevent recording
- Suspect makes spontaneous statements
- Recording equipment fails or is unavailable

Missouri Crime Victims' Compensation Fund

The fund reimburses crime victims for certain financial losses
Eligibility requirements:
- Victim of a violent crime with personal bodily injury
- Relative of a sexual assault victim needing counseling
- Victim who died as a direct result of a crime, with a spouse, child, or dependent assuming financial obligations
- Missouri resident who suffered a personal injury in another state without a crime victims' compensation program
Applications and information can be obtained from the Crime Victims' Compensation Program

Safe at Home Program

Helps survivors of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, or stalking who have relocated or are about to relocate
Provides a designated address to use when creating new records with state and local agencies and the court
Limits a suspect's ability to access public information to identify the new location of a victim
Services include:
- Mail forwarding
- Substitute address for:
  - Department of Revenue (driver's license, non-driver's license, vehicle registration)
  - Voter registration
  - School records
  - Department of Social Services
  - Library cards
  - Court, City, and County records
Officers shall accept the address provided by an individual in the Safe at Home program and shall not require the individual to provide their true address

Officer Testimony

Factors that could cause an officer to be unable or ineffective to provide testimony in federal or state court:
- Providing untruthful/false information in an official investigation, report, or court proceeding
- Conclusive information regarding untruthfulness, bias, and crimes committed by an officer
- Disclosure of officer misconduct to the prosecuting attorney

Initial Actions at a Crime Scene

The first officer to arrive at the scene should prioritize giving aid to injured persons
If sufficient police personnel are available, simultaneous measures should be taken to protect the crime scene and give aid to injured persons
Immediate protection measures include:
- Roping off critical exits or apertures
- Posting guards to control spectators around areas with high potential for physical evidence yield
- Covering areas that would be affected by the elements
The underlying intent of these actions is to preserve the physical aspects of the crime scene for later review by detectives or laboratory examiners
Officers should avoid:
- Unnecessary walking about
- Moving items or disturbing the bodies of deceased persons
- Touching items or surfaces that are likely to yield latent fingerprints
- Allowing any item to be removed from the scene without permission

Missouri Amber Alert System

The system is used to alert the public of an abduction that meets specific criteria
Criteria for issuance of an AMBER Alert include:
- Abduction of a person whose whereabouts are unknown
- Reasonable belief that the person is the victim of a crime of kidnapping
- Credible threat of serious bodily injury or death to the victim
- Sufficient details concerning the abduction to make a public alert useful
- Regional or statewide alert would be most beneficial for the situation
Steps to activate the AMBER Alert System include:
- Verify the abduction meets the criteria
- Activate local abduction alert system
- Fill out the Missouri AMBER Alert Abduction Form
- Send the form by fax to the Missouri AMBER Alert Notification
- Request broadcast into adjacent states if necessary

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