ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Management of the criminal investigation function generally involves two components: the first being the direct investigation of criminal activity, and the second being the administrative management of an investigative unit. Direct investigation includes those cases handled by one or more investigators, usually with minimal supervision or oversight. In more complex investigations that involve numerous investigators and specialists, a supervisor may oversee and guide the investigation. Administrative management may fall under the direction of the Chief of Detectives, the head of a division, such as the Forensics unit, or divisional units in large police departments, and may include:
● Selection and training of investigators
● Reports and records
● Resource allocation
● Personnel supervision and management
● Crime analysis (which in some agencies is handled by another unit at the department level)
● Assessments of effectiveness
● Handling of citizen complaints and external inquiries
● Fostering research Traditionally, the investigative division within a medium-or large-size police department, as
well as within federal agencies, is organized with subunits or squads-such as homicide and serious assaults, sex crimes, robbery, burglary, automobile theft, missing persons, and general assignment units. In federal agencies, other specialized units are usually designated to handle certain types of crimes. In smaller departments, the divisions are usually identified as for crimes against property and crimes against persons.
