Term Paper on "Criminal Investigations"
Term Paper 4 pages (1303 words) Sources: 4
[EXCERPT] . . . .
Criminal InvestigationsThis text will concern itself with a number of issues related to criminal investigations. In so doing, it will amongst other things address the various criminal investigation inquiry methods and discuss an investigator's optimal mindset. Further, in addition to highlighting the scientific method and how it is utilized by investigators in criminal investigations, this text will also identify a criminal investigator's major sources of information.
Inquiry Methods and their Utilization in Criminal Investigation
According to Palmiotto (2004), "investigative authorities estimate that approximately 95% of crimes are cleared through interviews and interrogations." The relevance of these two basic methods of inquiry cannot hence be overstated when it comes to criminal investigation. An interview in the author's own words can be defined as "a purposeful and planned conversation between an interviewer and interviewee to collect data pertaining to an investigation or to substantiate physical evidence" (Palmiotto, 2004). In that regard, an interview within the context of criminal investigation seeks to gather crime details while at the same time advancing investigations. It is however non-custodial. Conducted in a more cordial atmosphere in comparison to an interrogation, an interview provides an investigator with an opportunity to gather all the relevant information from not only victims but also witnesses. It is important to note that interviews can be conducted at any stage of the investigative process. When it comes to an interrogation, Palmiotto (2004) is of the opinion that unlike an interview, the same is rather adversarial. An interr
download full paper ⤓
An Investigator's Optimal Mindset
Some of the key responsibilities of an investigator include the collection and analysis of evidence. To be able to fulfill these responsibilities, an investigator must have a certain mindset. According to Hess and Orthmann (2009), an investigator should not only be optimistic but also confident. Towards this end, an investigator must never be intimidated by the level of education or even social status of the individual from whom he is seeking some information. A criminal investigator must also be able to remain objective at all times. In this case, Hess and Orthmann (2009) point out that an investigator should avoid having an already preconceived idea regarding the case. As the authors note, any personal prejudices an investigator harbors could interfere with his or her questioning and/or investigations. A sober mind is also critical when it comes to criminal investigations. In this case, the investigator must be able exercise self-control while remaining sensible and rational throughout the investigative process. As Hess and Orthmann (2009) point out, proper utilization of both patience and self-control can "motivate people to talk." It is through motivating people to talk that an investigator gets an opportunity to delve deeper into the very particulars of the investigation.
The Scientific Method and its Application to Criminal Investigations
The application of the scientific method in criminal investigation is according to Becker and Dutelle (2012) largely partial. In the authors' opinion, the parts of the scientific method applicable at any given moment depend on two variables. These two variables are: "the type of crime being investigated and the type of information available" (Becker and Dutelle, 2012). The scientific method essentially concerns itself with the identification of the problem(s) followed by the formulation of the hypothesis and later the collection of all the relevant evidence or data. The Interpretation of data and drafting of conclusions follows thereafter. For instance, in a hypothetical criminal investigation case,… READ MORE
Quoted Instructions for "Criminal Investigations" Assignment:
Respond to each of the following questions with detailed responses:
1. What are the methods of inquiry and how are they used in a criminal investigation?
2. What is the optimal mindset of an investigator, and how are the concepts associated with the optimal mindset of an investigator manifested?
3. What is the scientific method and how is it applied to criminal investigations by investigators?
4. Discuss four important sources of information for the criminal investigator, and provide detailed practical examples of each source listed.
How to Reference "Criminal Investigations" Term Paper in a Bibliography
“Criminal Investigations.” A1-TermPaper.com, 2012, https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/criminal-investigations-text/1115817. Accessed 6 Jul 2024.
Related Term Papers:
Criminal Investigations Term Paper
![Paper Icon](https://www.a1-termpaper.com/images/term-paper-3.png)
Criminal Investigations:
The process of investigating, reporting, and prosecuting criminal offenses requires both legal and ethical preparations in order for successful prosecution of a case. The need for legal and… read more
Term Paper 3 pages (1020 words) Sources: 3 Topic: Crime / Police / Criminal Justice
Criminal Investigation Scenario: Criminal Scene Investigators Term Paper
![Paper Icon](https://www.a1-termpaper.com/images/term-paper-3.png)
Criminal Investigation Scenario:
Criminal scene investigators are usually mandated with the task of actively processing a crime scene in order to collect evidence that would be used in arresting and… read more
Term Paper 6 pages (2010 words) Sources: 6 Topic: Crime / Police / Criminal Justice
Criminal Investigations Term Paper
![Paper Icon](https://www.a1-termpaper.com/images/term-paper-3.png)
Criminal Investigations
Over the last several years, the issue of criminal investigation procedures has been increasingly brought to the forefront. This is because a number of legal cases will depend… read more
Term Paper 4 pages (1091 words) Sources: 4 Topic: Crime / Police / Criminal Justice
Criminal Investigation A). Research Proposal
![Paper Icon](https://www.a1-termpaper.com/images/term-paper-3.png)
Criminal Investigation a). Criminal investigation is a police activity, which seeks out clues and evidence to determine if a crime has occurred (PInow 2005). If it has, the activity will… read more
Research Proposal 5 pages (1695 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: Crime / Police / Criminal Justice
Criminal Procedure Term Paper
![Paper Icon](https://www.a1-termpaper.com/images/term-paper-3.png)
Criminal Procedure:
The criminal justice system is a process that involves various steps that start with a criminal investigation and end with the release of a convicted criminal from correctional… read more
Term Paper 4 pages (1602 words) Sources: 4 Topic: Crime / Police / Criminal Justice
Sat, Jul 6, 2024
If you don't see the paper you need, we will write it for you!
We can write a new, 100% unique paper!