Detectives

A detective is a police officer, whose duty is to detect criminals, by in-depth investigation of cases. When attempting to solve a crime, detectives conduct a criminal investigation that seeks all the facts about a crime to help determine the truth: what happened and who is responsible. This involves making a preliminary and final investigation. A detective’s task is to gather, organize, and use information about social behavior. To effectively complete that task a detective should possess certain characteristics: intellectual, psychological, and physical. Studies were conducted on the importance and efficiency of the criminal investigation system, and on the need to integrate written policies, and rules.

Detectives have many different functions. All help them attain the ultimate purpose of detective work, which is to recognize, gather, and organize information for case disposition. Detectives provide emergency assistance, conduct raids, surveillance works, stakeouts, conduct undercover assignments, as well as testify in court.

In order to more effectively investigate a case, a detective must possess certain personal characteristics. Detectives should have intellectual qualities, but great intelligence is not needed. Effective investigators obtain and retain information, apply technical knowledge, remain open-minded and objective, and use logic when attempting to solve a case. All decisions pertaining to a case should be based on facts and not be opinion based, but the results of an investigation should not be based on only one fact. Detectives rely on skills acquired by experience, study, and observation. The job requires highly-developed skills, perhaps innate abilities to collect and evaluate case facts.

The decision making required by investigations can be very stressful. Thus, it is important to also possess certain psychological characteristics. It is important that detectives not become personally involved in the cases they investigate. Personal involvement hinders an investigation, and poses a threat to the emotional well-being of the investigator, causing him or her undue stress. A detective must therefore be emotionally well balanced, and have the ability to remain detached, and discerning. In addition, a detective must possess other psychological characteristics such as inqui...

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...; Another way criminal investigation departments affect society is by definitely proving someone guilty of a crime. Investigation shows that many others associated with the victim, or in another way associated to the crime, are by default found innocent. Often the public or media make up their own mind about whom they think is guilty, but can be found wrong. Solace is found by a victim, victim’s family and friends when someone is held accountable.

Criminal investigators show society that someone is trying to help them, and that someone is on their side when they have been victimized by a criminal. Victims also find closure when the perpetrator is identified and found guilty. If the case is not solved, ongoing suspicion, and lack of closure can ruin the lives of many people of many people.

Thus, investigators must be familiar with crimes and their elements, modus operandi information, the major goals of investigation, and the basic functions of investigating officers. All of these factors help a detective solve cases efficiently and successfully. Studies show that criminal investigations are needed but can always use improvement.