Goal #8 Objective B

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Objective B:
Without the use of the course text or class notes, the student will identify issues of managing criminal investigations.

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Elements of Management of Criminal Investigations

The initial investigation
Case screening
Management of on-going investigations
Police-prosecutor relations
Continuous monitoring of the investigative process

The initial investigation -
Normally conducted or preserved by patrol officers. This may also involve the initial response by investigators to the scene.

Case screening -
This involves asking relevant questions to determine if a case should be opened, remain open, or be closed.

Relevant case screening questions -

• Is there a witness to the crime?
  
• Is a suspect named?
  
• Can a suspect be described?
  
• Can a suspect be located?
  
• Can a suspect vehicle be identified?
  
• Is stolen property traceable?
  
• Is physical evidence present?
  
• Is there a distinguishable modus operandi?
  

A negative answer to most or all of these questions constitutes grounds for closing a case.

Management of on-going investigations -
Investigative supervisors identify detective investigative talents in case assignment, case review and reporting. Additionally, easily solved cases are referred back to patrol for resolution.

Police-prosecutor relations -
Methods to improve police-prosecutor relations

• increased consultation between executives of the agencies
  
• increased cooperation among supervisory personnel of the agencies
  
• use of liaison officers to communicate
  
• improved case preparation procedures
  
• development of formal and informal feedback
  

Continuous monitoring of the investigative process -
An administrative monitoring system keeps managers informed on personnel performance.

Normally the focus is on the percentage of cases assigned, and the interval between case assignment date and case resolution date.

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Continue to Goal #8 - Objective C.
Return to Course Learning Goals Page

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