Chapter 1 PDF

Preview

Summary

Chapter 1 lecture notes and textbook notes ...

Description

Chapter 1: The Investigation of Crime

I.

II.

Criminal Investigation, Evidence, and Forensic Science Defined a. Criminal investigation: process of collecting crime related information to reach certain goals i. Process- activities performed by the patrol officers/detectives 1. Nature and seriousness of the crime determines the activities to be performed 2. Consists of specific stages where activities are performed before others ii. Crime related information- criminal evidence 1. Facts and knowledge that relates to a crime iii. Goals- desired end 1. To solve the crime (ascertain the true nature of the crime, identify perpetrator, and apprehend perpetrator), provide evidence to support a conviction in court, and provide a level of service to satisfy crime victims b. Ultimate goal of the criminal investigation process is a reduction in crime through deterrence or incapacitation Types of Criminal Investigations a. Reactive i. The discovery of the crime and the police response (victim contacts the police, and patrol officer is dispatched to the scene) ii. The preliminary/initial investigation (immediate post crime activities of the investigators who arrive at scene) iii. Follow up investigation (case designated to detective to collect and analyze solvability factors/facts that may involve re-contacting/interviewing and submitting evidence to crime laboratory) iv. Closure (case is either closed due to lack of leads or perpetrator is apprehended) b. Undercover (Proactive) i. Includes: 1. Stings (investigator posing as someone who wishes to buy/sell illicit items, buyer/seller is arrested) 2. Decoys (undercover officer attempts to attract crime by presenting the opportunity to an offender to commit such a crime) 3. Stakeouts 4. Surveillance ii. Entrapment: the act of government officers in inducing a person to commit a crime that is not contemplated by the person 1. Offender must be predisposed to committing the crime...