ABSTRACT
A criminal investigation is the systematic process of identifying, collecting, preserving, and evaluating information for the purpose of bringing a criminal offender to justice. Successful investigations are based upon a systematic plan which proceeds in an orderly and logical manner. Without such a plan, relevant and highly significant evidence may be overlooked and improperly or inefficiently gathered, and incorrect conclusions may be drawn. Everything piece of information relating to a crime is subject to use. Examples include the testimony of an eyewitness, fingerprints left at the crime scene, or a forged traveler’s check.
