Transcript Criminal Investigation – Part 1

Criminal Investigation
Part 1
Fundamentals of Investigation
1.
2.
3.
A systematic, methodical, and detailed
inquiry into the past and present
Corpus Delicti – elements of a crime
Act and Intent – the crime committed and
with purpose
4.
Degree of crime – what charge to file
5.
Investigation must prove each element
Modus Operandi
1.
2.
Characteristic way a criminal commits a
specific crime
Provide clues in both obvious and less obvious
crimes
3.
They are beneficial
4.
Do not have decisiveness of past
Two Types of Investigations
1.
2.
Preliminary investigation
- first officer on scene
- minor crime: investigates
- major crime: secure scene
Follow-up investigation
- by detectives
- by patrol officers
- builds on what was learned
- during preliminary investigation
Investigation
1.
2.
3.
Radio call to officer
- time of day / weather / daylight / artificial
lighting
Safe to enter
- suspect not at crime scene
Render first aid
- show pathway to victim
- for medical professionals
- crime scene technicians
- other volunteers
Investigation, cont.
4.
5.
Protect scene
- all non-essential people
- police administrators
- the press
- family members
Identify witnesses
- be sure to get I.D. from people that
have information
- keep driver’s license, if necessary
Identity of Suspect
1.
2.
3.
Locate witnesses
- eyewitness
- people who saw a possible suspect
- saw suspect vehicle
Identify victim
- contact family and friends
- try to find last person who saw victim alive
Check local and state files
- M.O. files / computer files / fingerprints
Primary Types of Evidence
1.
Direct evidence
- “I saw, I heard, I smelled, I tasted”
a. Includes: fingerprints / DNA / ballistics /
dental comparisons / handwriting samples
b. Testimony by expert witnesses
2.
Circumstantial evidence
- shoe impressions / tire tracks / types of
clothing / vehicle / etc.
Arrest of Suspect
1.
Take into custody (probable cause)
2.
Drive-by: witness to identify
3.
Advise of rights
4.
Note “spontaneous” remarks
5.
Interrogation of suspect
- confession / admission / denial
Recovery of Property
1.
2.
3.
Search of suspect
- person / within arm’s reach
Search of vehicle
- unlocked containers
- tow vehicle
Search warrant
- written waiver from owner
- search warrant is best
Identification of Suspect
1.
2.
3.
Drive-by
- victim / witness observes
Photo array
- 6 to 8 photographs
- similar in appearance
Line-up
- minimum: 5 / maximum: 7
- similar in build: height / weight
- facial features / hair color