Cj210 Criminal Investigation
RUNNING HEADER: CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION 1
Criminal Investigation
Tracy Kelly
Kaplan University CJ210-05
November 24, 2011
Professor Ron Reinhardt
CRIMINIAL INVESTIGATION 2
Criminal Investigation
Criminal investigation as defined by Encyclopedia Britannica (2011) is an “ensemble of methods by which crimes are studied and criminals apprehended.” The methods used determine the success or failure of solving a case. Any method of inquiry should be able to answer who, what, when, where, why, and how. In a criminal investigation, answering these questions can be done using a combination of different forms of inquiry. Some of the forms are induction, deduction, classification, analysis, and at times hypothesis. Using any method, a criminal investigator begins reconstructing the criminal activity in an attempt to capture the perpetrator(s).
The induction method allows the investigator to rely on observation and experiences to draw a conclusion. Using the deduction method, the investigator is able to eliminate suspects; this can be done by validating alibis, line-ups, and the use of DNA evidence. Other times classification is used by arrangement based on characteristics and traits. Many times an investigation is stated with an analysis and is broken down into separate parts to help solve the case. In conjunction with analysis, a hypothesis is introduced. This also assists by assumptions based on knowledge, experience, and observations to successfully close the investigation (Osterburg & Ward, 2010). To be a successful investigator, one needs to have an optimal mindset. This is the manner in which the investigator processes the investigation. Some attributes are natural, others need to be learned. Regardless of how one possesses them, they are vital for success. The attributes needed are intelligence, reasonability, curiousness, and imagination. One also must be
CRIMINIAL INVESTIGATION 3 observant, have a good memory, be
Criminal Investigation
Tracy Kelly
Kaplan University CJ210-05
November 24, 2011
Professor Ron Reinhardt
CRIMINIAL INVESTIGATION 2
Criminal Investigation
Criminal investigation as defined by Encyclopedia Britannica (2011) is an “ensemble of methods by which crimes are studied and criminals apprehended.” The methods used determine the success or failure of solving a case. Any method of inquiry should be able to answer who, what, when, where, why, and how. In a criminal investigation, answering these questions can be done using a combination of different forms of inquiry. Some of the forms are induction, deduction, classification, analysis, and at times hypothesis. Using any method, a criminal investigator begins reconstructing the criminal activity in an attempt to capture the perpetrator(s).
The induction method allows the investigator to rely on observation and experiences to draw a conclusion. Using the deduction method, the investigator is able to eliminate suspects; this can be done by validating alibis, line-ups, and the use of DNA evidence. Other times classification is used by arrangement based on characteristics and traits. Many times an investigation is stated with an analysis and is broken down into separate parts to help solve the case. In conjunction with analysis, a hypothesis is introduced. This also assists by assumptions based on knowledge, experience, and observations to successfully close the investigation (Osterburg & Ward, 2010). To be a successful investigator, one needs to have an optimal mindset. This is the manner in which the investigator processes the investigation. Some attributes are natural, others need to be learned. Regardless of how one possesses them, they are vital for success. The attributes needed are intelligence, reasonability, curiousness, and imagination. One also must be
CRIMINIAL INVESTIGATION 3 observant, have a good memory, be
References: Boba, R., & Crank, J. P. (2008). Institutionalizing problem-oriented policing: rethinking problem solving, analysis, and accountability. Police Practice & Research, 9(5), 379-393. doi:10.1080/15614260801980745 Craven, C.M. (1933) The Progress of English Criminology. Journal of Criminal Law & Criminology (08852731), 24(1), 230-247. Criminal Investigation. (2011). In Encylopedia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/143110/criminal-investigation Osterburg, J. (1981). Scientific Method of Criminal Investigation. Journal of Police Science and Administration. Vol 9, Issue2 (June,1981) pgs135-142 Retrieved from https://www.ncjrs.gov/App/Publications/abstract.aspx?ID=78300 Osterburg, J., & Ward, R. (2010). Criminal Investigation A method for Reconstructing the Past (6th ed.). : Anderson Publishing Swanson, C, Chamelin, N., & Territo, L. (2011). Criminal Investigation (8th ed.) Retrieved http://highered.mcgrawhill.com/sites/0072564938/student_view0/chapter1/chapter_outline.html.