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Part 1

This document outlines the key steps and considerations in a criminal investigation, including establishing the elements of a crime, identifying witnesses and suspects, collecting evidence, arresting suspects, and identifying suspects. It discusses preliminary investigations at a crime scene securing evidence and building on that evidence in follow-up investigations. Identification of suspects may involve drive-bys, photo arrays, or line-ups. Recovery of property may involve searching suspects, vehicles, or obtaining search warrants.

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14 views

Part 1

This document outlines the key steps and considerations in a criminal investigation, including establishing the elements of a crime, identifying witnesses and suspects, collecting evidence, arresting suspects, and identifying suspects. It discusses preliminary investigations at a crime scene securing evidence and building on that evidence in follow-up investigations. Identification of suspects may involve drive-bys, photo arrays, or line-ups. Recovery of property may involve searching suspects, vehicles, or obtaining search warrants.

Uploaded by

Carab
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Criminal Investigation

Part 1
Fundamentals of Investigation
1. A systematic, methodical, and detailed
inquiry into the past and present

2. Corpus Delicti – elements of a crime

3. Act and Intent – the crime committed and


with purpose

4. Degree of crime – what charge to file

5. Investigation must prove each element


Modus Operandi
1. Characteristic way a criminal commits a
specific crime

2. Provide clues in both obvious and less obvious


crimes

3. They are beneficial

4. Do not have decisiveness of past


Two Types of Investigations
1. Preliminary investigation
- first officer on scene
- minor crime: investigates
- major crime: secure scene

2. Follow-up investigation
- by detectives
- by patrol officers
- builds on what was learned
- during preliminary investigation
Investigation
1. Radio call to officer
- time of day / weather / daylight / artificial
lighting

2. Safe to enter -
suspect not at crime scene

3. Render first aid


- show pathway to victim
- for medical professionals
- crime scene technicians
- other volunteers
Investigation, cont.
4. Protect scene
- all non-essential people
- police administrators
- the press
- family members

5. Identify witnesses
- be sure to get I.D. from people that
have information
- keep driver’s license, if necessary
Identity of Suspect
1. Locate witnesses
- eyewitness
- people who saw a possible suspect
- saw suspect vehicle

2. Identify victim
- contact family and friends
- try to find last person who saw victim alive

3. Check local and state files


- M.O. files / computer files / fingerprints
Primary Types of Evidence
1. Direct evidence
- “I saw, I heard, I smelled, I tasted”

a. Includes: fingerprints / DNA / ballistics /


dental comparisons / handwriting samples

b. Testimony by expert witnesses

2. Circumstantial evidence
- shoe impressions / tire tracks / types of
clothing / vehicle / etc.
Arrest of Suspect
1. Take into custody (probable cause)

2. Drive-by: witness to identify

3. Advise of rights

4. Note “spontaneous” remarks

5. Interrogation of suspect
- confession / admission / denial
Recovery of Property
1. Search of suspect
- person / within arm’s reach

2. Search of vehicle
- unlocked containers
- tow vehicle

3. Search warrant
- written waiver from owner
- search warrant is best
Identification of Suspect
1. Drive-by
- victim / witness observes

2. Photo array
- 6 to 8 photographs
- similar in appearance

3. Line-up
- minimum: 5 / maximum: 7
- similar in build: height / weight
- facial features / hair color

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