Etymology and Definition of Investigation

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Questions and Answers

Who is regarded as the 'Father of Criminal Identification'?

Sir Francis Galton

Juan Vucetich

William Herschel

Alphonse Bertillion (correct)

What did Sir Francis Galton propose regarding fingerprint patterns?

Three pattern types: loops, whorls, and arches (correct)

Patterns are irrelevant in fingerprint analysis

Two patterns: loops and whorls

Only one pattern type: loops

What significant system did England establish in 1900 regarding fingerprints?

The first facial recognition system

The first dactylography system (correct)

The first biometric identification system

The first tattoo identification system

Which individual made the first criminal fingerprint identification in 1892?

Juan Vucetich Signup and view all the answers

How did the Chinese utilize fingerprints three thousand years ago?

To sign legal documents Signup and view all the answers

What findings did Sir Francis Galton publish in his 1892 work titled 'Fingerprints'?

Anatomy of fingerprints and methods for recording Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the specific characteristics used to identify fingerprints?

Minutiae Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the first uses of fingerprints in a legal context?

Identifying criminal suspects Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of a criminal investigation?

To determine the truth and detail what happened Signup and view all the answers

From which language does the term 'investigation' originate?

Old French Signup and view all the answers

What crucial role does evidence play in a criminal investigation?

It helps in apprehending and convicting the perpetrator Signup and view all the answers

What does information theory suggest about the criminal investigation process?

It is a battle over crime-related information between police and perpetrator Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are considered outcomes of a successful criminal investigation?

Recovering stolen property and deterring future crimes Signup and view all the answers

In the context of criminal investigations, what does the term 'perpetrator' refer to?

An individual who commits a crime Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the initial act of searching for information during an investigation?

Inquiry Signup and view all the answers

What aspect differentiates a criminal investigation from a regular investigation?

Focus on public safety rather than private interest Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is essential for a good informant?

Discretion Signup and view all the answers

What motivates informants to cooperate with law enforcement?

Financial compensation Signup and view all the answers

Which type of informant may reveal information that is of no consequence or value?

False informant Signup and view all the answers

How do informers differ from informants?

Informants are usually motivated by civic duty. Signup and view all the answers

What role do informants play in criminal investigations?

They are a key source of intelligence. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary motivation for an anonymous informant?

Desire for privacy Signup and view all the answers

Which motivation may lead informants to provide information?

Fear for personal safety Signup and view all the answers

Which type of informant is motivated to eliminate competition?

Rival elimination informant Signup and view all the answers

What is one major characteristic of the CSI effect?

It results in a belief that evidence is quickly uncovered. Signup and view all the answers

Which step is NOT part of the logical sequence followed during an investigation?

Witnesses must be ignored to avoid contamination. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes criminal investigations from non-criminal investigations?

Criminal investigations are under the jurisdiction of police or government agencies. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes reactive investigations?

They are initiated based on a victim's complaint. Signup and view all the answers

How do non-criminal investigations funded by police differ from those conducted by private investigators?

Non-criminal investigations by police are funded by the government. Signup and view all the answers

What must happen to real, physical evidence after it is collected during an investigation?

It must be properly documented. Signup and view all the answers

What is often a misconception held by jurors due to the CSI effect?

That forensic science provides immediate results. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a necessary practice during an investigation?

Correlating evidence to the offense charged. Signup and view all the answers

What discovery made forensic scientists take notice in 1985?

The uniqueness of DNA patterns Signup and view all the answers

What is the current term used to describe the process of isolating and reading DNA?

DNA typing Signup and view all the answers

What does DNA stand for?

Deoxyribonucleic acid Signup and view all the answers

What percentage chance is there that two individuals could have identical DNA patterns?

1 in 30 billion to 100 billion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT true about human DNA?

It differs between identical twins. Signup and view all the answers

In what year did the FBI become the first public sector crime laboratory to accept DNA analysis cases?

1988 Signup and view all the answers

What part of the DNA structure does 'deoxyribo' refer to?

The sugar component Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of DNA in living organisms?

To make each species unique Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Etymology of Investigation

The word "investigation" originates from Old French, dating back to the 14th century.
It comes from the Latin word "investigare," meaning "to trace out, search after," which is composed of "in" meaning "in, into" and "vestigare" meaning "to track, trace."
The term embodies the action of searching or inquiring systematically, involving careful and thorough research.

Criminal Investigation Defined

Gathering information to reach a goal.
In a criminal context, it’s about collecting evidence to:
- Determine if a crime occurred
- Identify the perpetrator
- Apprehend the perpetrator
- Provide evidence for conviction in court
- Other objectives include recovering stolen property, deterring crime, and providing justice for victims.
Information theory, as described by Willmer, views criminal investigation like a battle between police and the perpetrator over crime-related information.

History of Criminal Identification

Anthropometry:
- Developed by Alphonse Bertillion in 1882.
- Used to identify incarcerated individuals in Paris.
- Involved taking eleven measurements, including height, head width, and foot length.
- Bertillion introduced "portrait parle" (speaking picture), combining photographs, measurements, and descriptions on a single card.
Fingerprinting:
- Chinese used fingerprints on legal documents over 3,000 years ago.
- William Herschel required natives in India to sign contracts with fingerprints.
- England became the first country to use dactylography for criminal identification in 1900.
- Sir Francis Galton, a British anthropologist, researched fingerprints as a means of identification in the 1880s.
- He proposed three pattern types: loops, whorls, and arches.
- Galton calculated the odds of two fingerprints matching were 1 in 64 billion and identified characteristics to identify fingerprints, still in use today.
- Juan Vucetich, an Argentine police official, created the first fingerprint files based on Galton's pattern types in 1891.
- Vucetich performed the first criminal fingerprint identification in 1892, identifying a woman who murdered her sons and attempted to frame another person.
DNA:
- The discovery of unique DNA patterns by Alec Jeffreys in 1985 made DNA analysis a powerful tool for criminal investigation.
- DNA, or Deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule containing unique biological instructions for every species, including humans.
- DNA is identical in every cell of a human, making it possible to analyze samples from blood, tissue, hair, etc.
- The uniqueness of each person's DNA, except for identical twins, makes it a powerful identification method.
- The FBI began accepting cases for DNA analysis in 1988.

The “CSI Effect”

Refers to the belief that forensic science television shows influence jurors to demand more forensic evidence for conviction.
While widely held by legal professionals, research suggests the CSI effect is unlikely.
Frequent viewers of crime shows may place less value on circumstantial evidence.

Practices to Follow During an Investigation

Secure real physical evidence legally.
Properly store and preserve evidence.
Identify and interview witnesses, preparing them for potential litigation.
Develop leads.
Collect reports and documentation.
Accurately and completely record information.
Ensure collected evidence directly relates to the claim, cause of action, or offense.

Criminal vs. Non-Criminal Investigations

Criminal investigations are conducted by police or government agencies, handling crimes.
Non-criminal investigations look into non-criminal incidents or events and can be conducted by individuals, police, or private investigators.
Key difference: Police investigations are government-funded, while private investigations are paid for by private clients.

Reactive vs. Proactive Investigations

Reactive investigations are triggered by victim or client complaints.
Proactive investigations are initiated by law enforcement without a specific complaint, often based on intelligence or crime trends.

Informers and Informants

Informers:
- Individuals outside criminal organizations.
- Provide information voluntarily, often anonymously.
- Motivated by civic duty, financial reward, or personal reasons.
Informants:
- Often criminals or individuals with inside information.
- Collaborate closely with law enforcement.
- Motivated by legal leniency, financial compensation, or safety concerns.

Characteristics of a Good Informant

Access to reliable information that law enforcement lacks.
Willingness to cooperate and provide assistance.
Discretion in keeping their relationship with law enforcement confidential.

Role of Informants in Criminal Investigations

Informants provide crucial inside information about criminal operations.
They are used for undercover operations to gather evidence or infiltrate criminal groups.
Informants may testify in court or provide evidence to support prosecutions.

Types of Informants

Anonymous informant: Remains unidentified.
Rival elimination informant: Aims to eliminate competition within criminal organizations.
False informant: Provides information with no real value or consequence.
Frightened informant: Motivated by fear.
Self-aggrandizing informant: May associate with criminals.
Mercenary informant: Provides information for financial gain.
Double crosser informant: May mislead both the police and criminals.
Woman informant: Often a female associate of criminals.

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Description

Explore the origins of the term 'investigation' from its Latin roots and its evolution through Old French. Delve into the specific definition of criminal investigation, its purposes, and the role of information theory in criminology.