Understanding Investigation Concepts

Study Notes

Definition of Investigation

Investigation involves a systematic approach to uncover facts about a particular event or condition.
It is an organized effort aimed at determining the underlying truths of an occurrence.
The purpose of an investigation is specific, often targeting harm, loss, or damage-related incidents.
Essential elements of an investigation include analyzing circumstances surrounding unusual events.
Investigations seek to clarify the cause and effects of incidents impacting individuals or property.

Introduction to Criminal Investigation and Intelligence

Book Title Origin: Represents the combination of investigation (I) and intelligence (I) within a single office.
Military Context: Unlike larger police units, military units often merge investigation and intelligence due to personnel constraints and operational economy.
Historical Practice: Combining investigation and intelligence is not a new concept; historically practiced in both military and police settings.
Educational Objective: Aims to provide students with literature to appreciate the complex interplay of investigation and intelligence, featuring illustrations for better understanding.

History of Public Detectives

Early Detectives: First police detectives emerged in England (1748) with Henry Fielding's Bow Street Runners and in France (1817) with Eugene Vidocq's police de surete.
Scotland Yard: Established a detective branch in 1842.
American Detectives: Federal investigators appeared in 1789, with municipal detectives starting in Boston (1846) and New York City (1880).
Recruitment Evolution: Initially recruited from civilian life, American detectives later selected from uniformed police.
Forensic Science Adoption: Criminalistics began to develop around 1910, gaining acceptance in law enforcement by 1932 through leaders like August Vollmer.
Education Trends: By 1975, a RAND Report indicated less than half of detectives were college educated, impacting productivity.
Detective Workforce: Currently, 10-15% of police departments are detectives, often specializing in teams with non-detective personnel.

Definition of Investigation

Investigation Definition: A structured process to determine facts about an event for a specific purpose; aims to uncover the truth.
Essential Elements: Focuses on understanding circumstances of events causing harm, loss, or damage.

Fields of Application

Criminal Investigation: Involves crimes and their analysis.
Security Investigation: Addresses security breaches or threats.
Arson Investigation: Investigates suspected arson cases.
Post Blast Investigation: Analyzes incidents involving explosions.
Narcotics Investigation: Focuses on drug-related offenses.
Traffic Accident Investigation: Examines traffic-related incidents.
Administrative Investigation: Pertains to organizational misconduct.

Crime Definition

Legal Perspective: A crime is an act violating criminal law.
Social Perspective: Defined as an anti-social act harmful to societal norms.
Psychological Perspective: Crime stems from behavioral maladjustment, often linked to abnormal behaviors.
Generic Terms: Includes offenses, felonies, delinquency, and misdemeanors.

Criminal Investigation Overview

Nature of Criminal Investigation: Combines art and science to identify and locate offenders and gather evidence.
Investigation Objectives:
- Identify the guilty party.
- Locate the guilty party.
- Provide evidence of guilt.

Role of Criminal Investigator

Primary Responsibility: Tasked with discovering whether an offense has occurred and carrying out the objectives of criminal investigation.

Description

This quiz focuses on the definition and key elements of investigation. It explores the systematic approaches used to uncover facts regarding specific events or conditions. Test your knowledge on what constitutes an organized investigation and its purpose.