ABSTRACT

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.

chapter 1|14 pages

A Brief History of Criminal Investigation

chapter 2|18 pages

Introducing Criminal Investigation

chapter 3|12 pages

Crime Scene Search

chapter 4|20 pages

Report Writing

chapter 5|14 pages

Interview and Interrogation

chapter 6|18 pages

Evidence

chapter 7|28 pages

Role of Forensic Science

chapter 8|28 pages

Vandalism

chapter 9|18 pages

Larceny and Burglary

chapter 10|16 pages

Auto Theft

chapter 11|10 pages

Arson Investigation

chapter 12|12 pages

Financial Investigation

chapter 13|28 pages

Homicide and Assault

chapter 14|22 pages

Sex Crimes

chapter 15|12 pages

Robbery

chapter 16|28 pages

Narcotics Investigation

chapter 17|12 pages

Cybercrime

chapter 18|24 pages

Gang Investigation

chapter 19|20 pages

Legal Issues in Criminal Investigations

chapter 20|16 pages

Preparing the Case for Court