Goal #1 Objective C
Objective C:
Without the use of the course text or class notes, the student will identify the attributes desirable in an investigator.
Two categories of desirable attributes
- Abilities and Skills
- Qualifications of mind, personality, attitude, and knowledge
Abilities and Skills
What is an ability?
ability -
Capability, fitness, or tendency to act or be acted on in a specified way.
Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary(1979) G & C Merriam Co:Springfield, MA
What is a skill?
skill -
The ability to use one's knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance. A learned power of doing something competently.
Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary(1979) G & C Merriam Co:Springfield, MA
It is important to understand at this point, that in a college course like criminal investigation, very little of the "skill" of criminal investigation will be developed. You will be given some "knowledge" about investigative processes and activities, but you will not develop a skill until you actually perform investigative tasks repeatedly under the direction of an experienced investigator. This is why most agencies have probationary periods to see if your "abilities" will permit you to develop a competent "skill" in criminal investigation.
Lets look at some of the desirable abilities and skills. By the way, in a job description, abilities could also be bona fide occupational requirements and could be listed on job description as necessary abilities.
Usually the agency helps the employee develop the skills with investigative training and direct supervision with an experienced trainer/investigator.
ability -
Conducts proper crime scene search for physical evidence.
Related Skill(s) -
- Knows how to recognize, collect, and preserve physical evidence.
- Knows the varieties of methods of operation (modus operandi).
ability -
Questions complainants, witnesses, and suspects.
Related Skill(s) -
- Knows how to use interviewing techniques.
- Knows interrogation methods.
- Have a knowledge of local street jargon, and if pertinent, and foreign language spoken in the community.
- Be sensitive to the constitutional and civil rights of all persons.
- Have a developed investigative instinct.
ability -
Develop and follow up clues.
Related Skill(s) -
- Know sources of records and how to check them.
- Know how to cultivate and use of informants.
- Know how to conduct surveillances.
- Know how to check pawn shops, second hand dealers, flea markets, and others that deal in used merchandise.
ability -
Prepare written reports of case activity as it develops.
Related Skill(s) -
- Have knowledge and skill in English.
ability -
Obtain legal search warrants based upon probable cause.
Related Skill(s) -
- Know how to use department and court forms to secure a search warrant.
ability -
Conducts raids, possibly under adverse conditions.
Related Skill(s) -
- Know the techniques of cover and concealment.
ability -
Act with initiative, as the fluidity of the (raid) situation demands.
Related Skill(s) -
- Acquire skill in silent communication.
- Uses teamwork within and between agencies.
ability -
Apprehend violators in a lawful manner.
Related Skill(s) -
- Acquire a working knowledge of applicable laws, department rules and regulations.
- Know physical compliance techniques, handcuffing, and how to use a firearm.
- Know search and seizure techniques for prisoners, houses, and vehicles.
ability -
Assist prosecuting attorney in evidence presentation to the grand jury or trial court.
Related Skill(s) -
- Know how to prepare clear, comprehensive reports.
- Know how to serve subpoenas.
- Know how to coordinate witness appearance.
ability -
Appear as a witness in court.
Related Skill(s) -
- Testify effectively in court.
Qualifications of mind, personality, attitude, and knowledge
- Intelligence and reasoning ability
- Curiosity and imagination. Takes nothing for granted
- Observation and memory
- Knowledge of life and people
- Possession of technical "know-how"
- Perseverance, "stick-to-itiveness," and energy
- Ability to recognize and control bias and prejudice in one's self and on the job
- Sensitivity to people's feelings; acts with discretion and tact; respects a confidence (however it must be remembered that there is no practitioner - client privilege like with clergy, lawyers, or doctors)
- Possesses the honesty and courage to withstand temptation and corruption
- When testifying is not overzealous and does not commit perjury
- Physically fit, report writing skills, awareness of good public relations as a future source of cooperation and information
Two other important indicators of successful investigative performance according to Osterburg are "past performance" and college education.
Continue to Goal #1 - Objective D.
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