Characteristics Of Criminal Investigation

Since the old times primary investigations do not typically yield enough information to prosecute a criminal case. The information yielded in criminal investigations may be used to prosecute a criminal case or can even assist in a federal case. Even though primary investigations can identify a lot of evidence and information, a secondary investigation will usually identify further details and allows for a second look at everything pertaining to the investigation. This paper is to explain criminal investigations and the necessary tools and skills needed to conduct and thorough investigation.

In conducting a preliminary investigation on a criminal case, there are specific rules and guidelines an officer or investigator should follow. Step one

There are three important characteristics that make the job easier. The first trait is being impartial. Conducting fair, thorough, and impartial investigations is crucial to being an effective investigator. An investigator must maintain a professional relationship with everyone involved in the investigation. (Asia Pacific Forum, 2013) The next important characteristic is to have good listening skill or having as Mr. Stevens taught us, a third ear. In order to be a good investigator one must be able to listen to all involved parties, assess what is being said, and be able to ask follow up questions on all possible leads. The final characteristic is to have analytical thinking skills. A good investigator must be able to analyze facts and evidence provided by victims, witnesses, and possible suspects, in order to completely investigate a crime that has been

For this reason, it is important that cases be assigned for follow up investigations. Because follow up investigations can sometimes be lengthy and tedious, not every officer is a good follow up investigator. However, a good follow up investigator can often find additional information pertaining to the case/crime, connect it to other known intelligence, and find key information and evidence related to the case/crime. Large criminal investigations can go on for years. It is important for follow up investigations to continue even if it seems all investigative leads have been followed. Possible witnesses to crimes, who were afraid to come forward initially, may later feel more comfortable speaking to investigators. Technology is ever changing, and physical evidence collected may one day become valuable in solving a crime. It is important for Investigators to not only use their current senses and resources to do their job efficiently and safely, but to continually train and learn new techniques valuable to their