Criminal Investigations

Criminal Investigations

Criminal investigations have specific objectives , namely : detect crime locate and identify suspects in crimes locate , document , and preserve evidence in crimes arrest suspects in crimes recover stolen property [and] prepare sound criminal cases for prosecution (Lyman 2005 ,

.12 . These objectives remain constant no matter what type of investigation is being conducted - whether for the purpose of determining if a criminal or a civil law has been violated investigating organized crime , or conducting background checks on candidates for sensitive positions in government (Lyman , 2005 . In all types of

investigation , one of the primary tasks of an investigator is to determine whether a crime has been committed , about to be committed or is most likely to be committed because of the character and record of previous activities of an individual . In to perform all of these tasks , an investigator has to follow the same steps such as interviewing people including possible suspects , the members of his or her immediate family , friends , co-workers , even casual acquaintances . Previous records (including school , employment , family history , and community activities are also looked into for the purpose establishing criminal intent on the part of possible suspects and bias on the part of possible witnesses (Lyman , 2005

Responding to a crime which has already been committed represents a reactive response , dealing with a crime which is about to be committed is a proactive response , and addressing the likelihood of crime falls under the category of a preventive response . All three responses are often necessary...