ABSTRACT
Criminal investigative failures in Canada have raised questions about the competence of individuals who manage major cases (see, for example, FPT Heads of Prosecutions Committee Working Group, 2004; Kaufman, 1998). Major cases are those investigations, such as homicide or serial sexual assault requiring a response that falls outside the parameters of standard services provided by police agencies (Canadian Police College, 2002). Managers of such cases are typically senior officers who are responsible for the organization and behavior of all personnel involved. Although this is arguably one of the most consequential areas of policing, little is known about the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) of effective major case managers. Beyond a couple of studies on effective detectives (Maguire, Noaks, Hobbs, & Brearley, 1993; Smith & Flanagan, 2000), it seems that judicial inquiries and police training programs are the primary sources of knowledge regarding the competencies that major case managers should possess and exhibit. Given the lack of empirical research in this area, we urge readers to embark on the challenge of determining the characteristics of effective major case managers.
