Criminal Investigations Today: The Essentials examines the processes, practices, and people involved in the investigation of crime in a brief and accessible format that hones in on the key topics students actually need to know. Drawing from his vast experience in the field, author Richard M. Hough distills the essentials of criminal investigations and takes students through the in-depth processes of criminal investigations while maintaining a streamlined approach that allows for optimal student learning. The text’s focus on people within the investigative system is reinforced with running case studies and hands-on application. Included with this title: The password-protected Instructor Resource Site (formally known as SAGE Edge) offers access to all text-specific resources, including a test bank and editable, chapter-specific PowerPoint® slides.

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 book provides the most comprehensive and authoritative book yet published on the subject of criminal investigation, a rapidly developing area within the police and other law enforcement agencies, and an important sub discipline within police studies. The subject is rarely out of the headlines, and there is widespread media interest in criminal investigation. Within the police rapid strides are being made in the direction of professionalizing the criminal investigation process, and it has been a particular focus as a means of improving police performance. A number of important reports have been published in the last few years, highlighting the importance of the criminal investigation process not only to the work of the police but to public confidence in this. Each of these reports has identified shortcomings in the way criminal investigations have been conducted, and has made recommendations for improvement . The Handbook of Criminal Investigation provides a rigorous and critical approach to not only the process of criminal investigation, but also the context in which this takes place, the theory underlying it, and the variety of factors which influence approaches to it. It will be an indispensable source of reference for anybody with an interest in, and needing to know about, criminal investigation. Contributors to the book are drawn from both practitioners in the field and academics.

Aimed at the busy professional who aspires to become certified in the field, Criminal Investigation for the Professional Investigator details essential techniques a trained investigator will be called upon to perform during the course of a career. The book is authored by a veteran of the NYPD who went on to launch and operate two successful private investigation agencies. It covers crime scenes, death investigations, the art of interrogation, and specific criminal investigations. It also provides important strategies for making arrests and testifying in courtrooms, details the most effective investigative tools to use, and explains the role of criminal defense investigators.

Criminal Investigation, Fourth Edition, offers a comprehensive and engaging examination of criminal investigation and the vital role criminal evidence plays in the process. The text focuses on the five critical areas essential to understanding criminal investigations: background and contextual issues, criminal evidence, legal procedures, evidence collection procedures, and forensic science. In this new edition, esteemed author Steven G. Brandl goes beyond a simple how-to on investigative procedures and analyzes modern research and actual investigative cases to demonstrate their importance in the real world of criminal justice. New to the Fourth Edition: New and updated statistical information, research findings, investigative procedures, and legal cases ensure students are learning about the most current research in the field. Several new "From the Case File" chapter introductions and 25 new in-chapter "Case-in-Point" investigative case examples make it easier for students to connect the content to the real world. More than 75 new photos, most of which are case photos from actual investigations, illustrate key concepts to help keep students engaged with the content. New material on documenting evidence via reports provides examples of well-written police reports to help students build better writing skills. New material on social media and evidence from electronic digital devices discusses how to use new technology as a source of information. A stronger focus on terrorism and the use of technology in investigations encourages students to discuss and critically analyze the future of criminal investigations. New sections titled "Mental Mistakes in Criminal Investigations," "Perspectives on the Criminal Investigation Process," and "Qualities and Characteristics of Investigators" offer students tips and advice for conducting successful investigations. New material on touch DNA helps students see the benefits and limitations of scientific evidence gathered from a crime scene. Give your students the SAGE edge! SAGE edge offers a robust online environment featuring an impressive array of free tools and resources for review, study, and further exploration, keeping both instructors and students on the cutting edge of teaching and learning. Learn more at edge.sagepub.com/brandl4e.

Avoid Major Investigative TrapsWhat causes competent and dedicated investigators to make avoidable mistakes, jeopardizing the successful resolution of their cases? Authored by a 21-year police veteran and university research professor, Criminal Investigative Failures comprehensively defines and discusses the causes and problems most common to faile