Criminal Investigation Introduction
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Questions and Answers

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

  • A mindset of law enforcement protocols
  • A mindset of emergency response
  • A mindset of community policing
  • A mindset of criminal investigations (correct)

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

  • The uniform officer is only responsible for securing the crime scene
  • The uniform officer is the final investigator and responsible for collecting evidence (correct)
  • The uniform officer is responsible for taking the report and forwarding it to the investigator division
  • The uniform officer is not responsible for conducting criminal investigations

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

  • It increases the reliance on investigative personnel
  • It reduces the workload of uniform officers
  • It improves the quality of evidence collected (correct)
  • It reduces the need for comprehensive reports

    • What is the primary objective of a successful criminal investigation?

    <p>To collect evidence and build a strong case</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of uniform officers in smaller agencies?

    <p>They conduct their own investigations and collect evidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of a criminal investigation?

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

    What is the purpose of a neighborhood canvass?

    <p>To search for additional witnesses or information sources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an important aspect of maintaining the crime scene?

    <p>Preserving evidence and not disturbing the scene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the importance of documenting information during an investigation?

    <p>To accurately recall events and write a complete report</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To better evaluate the truthfulness of a suspect</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key element to a successful prosecution?

    <p>Conducting a complete and professional investigation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done when arriving at the crime scene?

    <p>Proceed to the scene quickly and without delay but safely</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To identify threats and keep all safe</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to identify witnesses at the scene?

    <p>To expand the witness list</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>When a scene is not safe</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done when conducting a preliminary investigation?

    <p>Locate and identify witnesses, conduct a neighborhood canvass, and more</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

    <p>To facilitate cooperation and coordination among professional organizations</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To classify and define the resources available to an investigator</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>The skillful questioning of suspects and uncooperative witnesses</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To support investigative operations as needed</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>The gathering of knowledge from other persons</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>To coordinate activities among various agencies</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To prevent various types of online crimes</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To act as legal advisor for all legal criminal investigations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of crime laboratories?

    <p>To process and analyze physical evidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of a forensic anthropologist?

    <p>To apply techniques to assist in the recovery of remains</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To examine electronic evidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of a forensic entomologist?

    <p>To study insect and other arthropod biology in criminal matters</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To be discussed in the death investigation section</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the AMBER Alert?

    <p>To broadcast information about missing children across all media resources</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To assist with computer crime-related investigations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When does the preliminary investigation of a crime begin?

    <p>When the officer is assigned to the case</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is responsible for initiating the preliminary investigation?

    <p>The first officer to arrive on the scene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the ultimate objective of a criminal investigation?

    <p>To present the case to the court of law</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Initiating the preliminary investigation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a BOLO?

    <p>To alert other officers to search for the suspect</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is included in a BOLO?

    <p>The type of crime and suspect's physical description</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of processing the crime scene?

    <p>To collect and preserve evidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To initiate the preliminary investigation and protect the crime scene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the goal of the preliminary investigation?

    <p>To present a strong case to the court of law</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>When they are relieved by someone of higher rank or authority</p> 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?

    <p>(573) 751-1000</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>You will be contacted by phone to verify the alert</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are multi-state alerts accomplished?

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

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

    <p>Contact the adjacent states directly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is eligible for victim compensation in Missouri?

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

    What is the purpose of the Safe at Home program?

    <p>To conceal the location of victims of domestic violence or stalking</p> 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?

    <p>The untruthfulness and any conclusive information regarding it</p> 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?

    <p>Giving aid to the injured persons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one action taken to protect the crime scene?

    <p>Roping off certain critical exits or apertures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who can obtain victim applications and information from?

    <p>The Crime Victims' Compensation Program</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To conceal the victim's true address</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>They are terminated from the agency</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Giving aid to injured persons and protecting the crime scene</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>Race, Age, Height, and Weight</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of conducting a neighborhood canvass?

    <p>To locate individuals who might have knowledge of the crime</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When should a neighborhood canvass be conducted?

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

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

    <p>Name, identification, address, and telephone number of individuals contacted</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of interrogations must be recorded when feasible?

    <p>All custodial interrogations of suspects</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To reimburse crime victims for certain financial losses</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Victims of violent crimes who have suffered personal bodily injury</p> 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?

    <p>It helps officers to recognize valuable leads</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It should be followed up on and completed</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary intent of protecting the crime scene?

    <p>To preserve the physical aspects of the scene for later review</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be avoided when processing a crime scene?

    <p>Unnecessary walking about and touching surfaces</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

    What should be done when arriving at the crime scene?

    <p>Take immediate action to prevent contamination of the scene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the Missouri Amber Alert System?

    <p>To aid in the recovery of abducted persons</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Move them to a secure location</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To preserve the physical aspects of the scene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done when the search has been completed?

    <p>Release the crime scene to the public</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of documenting information during an investigation?

    <p>To provide a detailed record of events</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done when processing a crime scene?

    <p>Take notes and document information about the scene</p> 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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    Description

    This quiz covers the basics of criminal investigation, including the primary objectives for conducting criminal investigations by law enforcement personnel. It focuses on the training for entrant officers.

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