ABSTRACT
Welcome to the world of “Fiy Shades of Grey” relative to criminal investigations: sex crimes. Aside from homicide, sex crimes are of the most heinous, yet bizarre, nature. And the investigations prove to be exhilarating but nonetheless tedious. ese investigations continue to be, and will be for years to come, the hype of media, movies, and television series. Why? Because there is something about sex crime investigations that stimulates societal interest. Perhaps it is the nature of the crime that arouses attention or perhaps it is the even more enticing investigation process. Either way, people become completely invested in the investigation. So much so that the outcome tends to become more of a “need to know” basis rather than a “want to know.” However interesting, television shows, or series, provide a common misconception regarding these cases. Likewise, society is poisoned with a fallacy that the cases are quickly and easily solved. What people fail to recognize is the lengths investigators go through to identify and prosecute these perpetrators. is chapter will discuss, in grave detail, the investigation process. Keep in mind that the investigative steps identied will provide the investigator with knowledge of available resources; however, the use of the resources should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, case studies will be provided to exemplify the process. e case studies provided are based on factual cases investigated by special victims squads.
