ABSTRACT
In this introduction to the book, the emergence of criminal investigation in England and Wales is discussed, and it is shown that this area of policing, and homicide investigation specifically, has been subject to much controversy and change since its very inception. It will become clear here, however, that despite evidence that homicide investigations remain imperfect, even following significant change, this is an area that has not received full academic attention. Having established this backdrop, the doctoral research upon which the book is based is outlined. The data cited are a culmination, primarily, of qualitative interviews with 27 former and serving homicide detectives, analysis of homicide case files and observations of investigations and detective training.
