ABSTRACT
The general process of a criminal investigation is complex (Gilbert, 2010; Lasley and Guskos, 2014; Lyman, 2014), but it may be summarized as the systematic and thorough inquiry into an individual or an incident in order to ascertain the truth. There must also be a comprehensive report, since investigators must always have an end product, particularly if the case goes cold (Brown, 2001; Dempsey, 2003). Criminal investigation has an anticipated end product of bringing someone to justice; that is, arresting, prosecuting, and convicting perpetrators of crimes. However, it must not usurp the role of prosecutor, judge, and jury. That enormous responsibility is why ethics must be the first and foremost characteristic of criminal investigation (Weston and Lushbaugh 2003).
