Prescriptive package designed to assist police managers to improve the success of their departments' criminal investigation efforts. While skilled detectives are often essential, there are a number of new methods police managers can adopt to improve investigative success. Management issues addressed include budgeting and allocating resources; improving relationships with the prosecutor; interacting with the public, especially victims and witnesses; improving relationships between investigators and patrol officers; decentralizing detective assignments, particularly in neighborhood team policing approaches; using civilian employees for investigative tasks; assigning personnel; supervising and training investigative personnel; improving investigative procedures; and conducting investigative activities not related to specific cases. The suggestions are based on an examination of the investigative practices of six selected police departments, a review of the relevant literature and recent experiments in other departments, and the observations and conclusions of a panel of experienced police officials. It is especially interesting to note that many of the ideas require little or no additional resources. This report is written primarily for police chiefs and heads of detective units, but should also be of interest to other police officials and to local government officials such as city managers.

The manner in which criminal investigators are trained is neither uniform nor consistent, ranging from sophisticated training protocols in some departments to on-the-job experience alongside senior investigators in others. Ideal for students taking a first course in the subject as well as professionals in need of a refresher, Introduction to Criminal Investigation uses an accessible format to convey concepts in practical, concrete terms. Topics discussed include: The history of criminal investigation in Western society Qualifications for becoming an investigator, the selection process, and ideal training requirements Crime scene search techniques, including planning and post-search debriefing Preparing effective field notes and investigative reports Interviewing and interrogating Types of evidence found at the crime scene and how to collect, package, and preserve it The contributions of forensic science to criminal investigations and the equipment used in crime labs Investigative protocol for a range of crimes, including property crimes, auto theft, arson, financial crimes, homicide, assault, sex crimes, and robbery Specialized investigations, including drug trafficking, cybercrime, and gang-related crime Legal issues involved in criminal investigations and preparing a case for trial Bringing together contributions from law enforcement personnel, academics, and attorneys, the book combines practical and theoretical elements to provide a comprehensive examination of today‘s criminal investigative process. The accessible manner in which the information is conveyed makes this an ideal text for a wide-ranging audience.

Managing the investigative unit can be an extremely rewarding part of any law enforcement professional’s career, or it can be an absolute nightmare. The goal of this newly revised second edition is to continue to provide the investigative manager with the updated tools and techniques necessary to successfully manage the investigative unit. Many of these techniques and strategies were learned through trial and error. It begins with a look at the various elements of the investigative process. These elements include the basics of criminal investigations, the role of patrol in the investigative process, organizing the investigative unit, rank/position/status of investigators, selecting and supervising investigative personnel, developing new investigators, case management, managing confidential source programs, supervision of undercover personnel, raid and arrest planning, the qualifications for the undercover officer, and evaluating performance of personnel. Administrative considerations, such as managing confidential source programs and case management are examined in detail. The final sections of the book examines performance evaluation of investigative personnel, which differs greatly from the evaluation of patrol personnel. Investigative “marginal performers” are studied, and useful techniques for managing these individuals are provided. Methods of developing new investigators as well as mechanisms to train patrol personnel for potential assignment to investigations are also covered. In addition, the Appendices contains material and forms on responsibilities, time allocation, selection and application, case screenings, case reviews, referrals, fund and payment policy, operational plan, and evaluation design. The book will be useful for patrol officers or detectives who are interested in preparing themselves for supervisory or management positions.

The process of controlling criminal investigations is a complex matter, yet it has frequently been minimized or neglected in police management publications. But knowing how to properly plan for an event, make resource agreements with other participants in the investigation, and implement a coordinating system within the agency is critical to proper

Criminal investigators need broad knowledge of such topics as criminal law, criminal procedure, and investigative techniques. The best resource for these professionals will distill the needed information into one practical volume. Written in an accessible style, the fourth edition of Criminal Investigation maintains the same reader friendly approac

The process of controlling criminal investigations is a complex matter, yet it has frequently been minimized or neglected in police management publications. But knowing how to properly plan for an event, make resource agreements with other participants in the investigation, and implement a coordinating system within the agency is critical to proper case control in a department. Now in its second edition, Managing and Coordinating Major Criminal Investigations details a methodology that is adaptable to any existing record or control system. This new edition features an expanded outline format, more detailed instructions, and updated case systems. It also reflects the introduction of new technology developed since the benchmark first edition. Designed so that users can determine the necessary requirements to meet their individual needs, the book aids in the thinking and direction required to accomplish this task. Decisionmakers in small and large agencies can tailor the system to their specifications, retaining flexibility to decide the applications, degree of implementation, and usage. Filled with concrete, specific guidelines and time-tested wisdom from a law enforcement veteran, this book provides police supervisors with the essential tools needed to improve or develop a systemic approach to the control of major investigations. More importantly, it helps to create the necessary mindsets required in supervisors to manage any major crime effectively.