Criminal Investigation Overview

The process of systematically gathering and analyzing facts to solve a crime.

An inquiry into a possible criminal act to discover the facts.

The act or process of searching for knowledge or information about a person, place, or event.

Originating from the Latin word "investigare," meaning 'to trace or track down'. It comes from the word 'vestigium,' meaning 'footprint,' implying following clues.

The collection and analysis of data (facts and truths) to figure out who committed a crime.

The objective is to identify the guilty person, figure out their location, and provide enough evidence to prove their guilt in court.

A systematic and logical approach to investigating a crime to find answers to the 'who, what, where, when, why, and how' questions.

A systematic process of examining, tracing, and analyzing evidence to uncover facts about a crime

A method of investigation where the focus is on crimes that have already occurred.

The process of gathering, analyzing, and presenting evidence to establish the facts of a crime.

The practice of investigating crimes based on intuition, experience, and observation.

Persistence and determination in pursuing an investigation despite obstacles.

Identifying and recording all relevant facts, information, and evidence related to a crime.

Preserving the integrity and legal value of evidence.

Analyzing, processing, and drawing conclusions from gathered evidence.

A suspect is already in custody. This allows investigators to collect evidence, interview the suspect, and build their case.

A suspect is at large, meaning they have not been arrested yet. The investigation focuses on locating and apprehending the suspect.

The criminal is identified and located.

This involves collecting evidence to prove the suspect's guilt in court

Criminal Investigation is an art because it requires creativity, intuition, and the ability to connect different pieces of evidence. It's not a strict formula.

A detective's ability to stay determined and committed to finding the truth, even when facing obstacles and challenges.

The capacity of an investigator to endure long hours, sleepless nights, and physically demanding tasks during a case.

The investigator's unwavering honesty and integrity, resisting temptations to compromise their morals, even when faced with bribes or manipulation.

The ability of an investigator to analyze information, discern truth from falsehood, and separate relevant facts from irrelevant distractions, drawing logical conclusions.

The detective's ability to adapt and interact with various individuals, including those from different social backgrounds, during an investigation.

The investigator's skills in articulating their findings in written reports, communicating clearly during interviews, and precisely using language to describe events and scenes.

The ability of an investigator to pay close attention to details, accurately record observations, and describe people, places, and events with precision.

The courage and conviction of an investigator to stand by the truth, even if it means exposing uncomfortable truths or confronting powerful individuals.

Determining the specific crime committed, not the victim's actions.

Integrity, refusing bribes even under pressure.

Questions exploring how a crime was carried out.

Criminal investigation is a systematic process that combines elements of both science and art.

Criminal investigation requires skill, intuition, and creativity in analyzing evidence and connecting the dots.

A series of similar characteristics that link different crimes, suggesting a common perpetrator.

Information that helps investigators move forward in a case. This can be physical evidence, witness statements, or information from surveillance.

Information provided by citizens that helps in the investigation, often involving the identity of the suspect.

Beliefs or explanations based on evidence, patterns, leads, tips, and other information gathered in a case. Theories guide investigations.

The method or strategy used by a criminal to commit a crime, including details like how they entered the crime scene, approached the victim, and escaped.

Determining the specifics of how a crime was executed. Asking questions like: how did the suspect get close, what tools were used, how was the crime discovered?

The presentation of facts and information in a clear and accessible way, typically with the assistance of a prosecutor.

Relating to the initial steps of a criminal investigation, typically involving the collection of evidence, witness statements, and initial suspect identification.