This book offers a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of current and future challenges in criminal investigation carried out by the police in the United Kingdom. It is the first book to link current investigative influences on policing and the evidence-based agenda and considers the competing agendas of professionalization and austerity, analyzing the consequences of these developments in the field. Written by an author with extensive practical and training experience, the book traces the development of the role of detectives and discusses their training and education.

The manner in which criminal investigators are trained is neither uniform nor consistent, ranging from sophisticated training protocols in some departments to on-the-job experience alongside senior investigators in others. Ideal for students taking a first course in the subject as well as professionals in need of a refresher, Introduction to Criminal Investigation uses an accessible format to convey concepts in practical, concrete terms. Topics discussed include: The history of criminal investigation in Western society Qualifications for becoming an investigator, the selection process, and ideal training requirements Crime scene search techniques, including planning and post-search debriefing Preparing effective field notes and investigative reports Interviewing and interrogating Types of evidence found at the crime scene and how to collect, package, and preserve it The contributions of forensic science to criminal investigations and the equipment used in crime labs Investigative protocol for a range of crimes, including property crimes, auto theft, arson, financial crimes, homicide, assault, sex crimes, and robbery Specialized investigations, including drug trafficking, cybercrime, and gang-related crime Legal issues involved in criminal investigations and preparing a case for trial Bringing together contributions from law enforcement personnel, academics, and attorneys, the book combines practical and theoretical elements to provide a comprehensive examination of today‘s criminal investigative process. The accessible manner in which the information is conveyed makes this an ideal text for a wide-ranging audience.

This comprehensive volume deciphers investigative process and practice, providing an authoritative insight into key debates and contemporary issues in crime investigations Provides critical examination of investigative practice by focusing on the key issues and debates underpinned by academic literature on crime investigation Outlines the theoretical explanations that provide an understanding of crime investigation and the context in which investigators operate Illustrates the practical relevance of theoretical contributions to crime investigation Places clear emphasis on the multi-disciplinary nature of crime investigation

This anthology of 15 papers discusses general principles of criminal investigation and describes techniques for investigating and managing particular crime categories. Papers on general investigative principles discuss investigative ethics, computers and their effects on investigative procedures, crime pattern analysis, investigative models, a model for police intelligence units, and the interpretation of information from electronic surveillance. Other papers describe the techniques, procedures, and coordination of investigations of particular crime types. Crime types encompass computer-related crimes involving small computer systems, major drug distribution cartels, arson, crimes related to the occult, missing children, child sexual molestation (pedophilia), sexual assault, terrorist activity, and hostagetaking.

It is startling to read how few sexual offenses are reported in a year; even more shocking to see how few reports lead to an arrest. Research on effective responses to sexual offenses is much needed and ongoing. This edited book presents the current state of research on investigative techniques used in sex crime investigations, and the operational challenges and issues that arise in these investigations. Including an international cohort of scholars from various academic backgrounds, it reviews current efforts in key areas, synthesizing the research to make recommendations for the improvement of investigative practices and the criminal justice system’s response to sexual offenses. Each chapter includes a brief introduction to the topic, a review of the research, and a discussion of the key points relevant to investigators and researchers as they move forward. The book is broken down into four themes: suspect prioritization and identification techniques, investigative interviewing, operational challenges and issues, and the investigation of specific types of sex crimes. With its broad coverage and international scope, this volume fills the gap in knowledge for investigators working on sex crimes cases. With its easy-to-read style and clear analysis of the research, this is the perfect volume for investigators and law enforcement officers, policy makers and researchers, and students in criminology and criminal justice, forensic psychology, and victim services.