Term
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Definition
| a systematic, methodical, and detailed inquiry and examination of all components, circumstances, and relationships pertaining to an incident. |
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Term
| Criminal Investigation (objectives) |
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Definition
| to establish truth or falsity of a complaint, basing conclusions on facts derived through a complete and impartial investigation. |
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Term
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Definition
| The combination of elements of a crime. |
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Term
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Definition
| A criminal's characteristic method of operation. |
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Term
| Steps to a preliminary investigation |
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Definition
| 1)The crime scene must be isolated by the first officer on the scene. 2) Victims and witnesses must be separated for independent interviews. 3) Nothing is to be touched or moved so that the value of physical evidence is no negated. 4) The first officers on the scene are to protect and isolate the crime scene from people not involved and to know which investigators are at the scene and for what purpose. |
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Term
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Definition
| the interrogation may be on the scene, nearby, or in a police car en route to the police station. This is done at this point in time after an arrest because if the crime has just occurred, the circumstances may call for the time to interrogate right after arrest. Many cases go to trial with no more statements from the accused than those obtained by the officer, that way this is a very important aspect. |
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Term
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Definition
| the suspect is in a line accompanied by at least 8 to 10 other persons of the same sex, race, and age group and approximate height, weight, build, and clothing etc. as the suspect and viewed by the victim and witnesses. Attorneys are allowed to attend lineups but is not mandatory to attend a lineup. |
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Term
| Abilities in conjunction to 5 senses |
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Definition
| an investigator must also develop a sense of suspicion, curiousity, bias & prejudice, patience, courtesy, sympathy and empathy and knowing what is credible or not. |
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Term
| Proper method of taking notes |
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Definition
| upon first notification or receipt of a complaint of an alleged offense, investigators must begin taking written chronological notes of all information received, actions taken, and observations made. The notes are then used in connection with the investigator’s future testimony in court and may be entered as evidence. |
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Term
| completeness and brevity in notes and reports |
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Definition
| depend on whether or not the information is pertinent and relevant. The recording of spontaneous declarations, admissions, and confessions by suspects should be as verbatim as possible as well. |
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Term
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Definition
| by remaining aware that the receptiveness and reliability of subjects in interviews may be affected by factors, such as age. able to describe and identify suspect of certain ethnic groups, weapons used, or languages spoken by the suspects as well.reconstructs the attendant surroundings of the scene where the perceptions were made so that to help determine whether or not the interviewee’s physically possible. |
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Term
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Definition
| 1) First an interviewer should introduce himself/herself by identifying the interviewer, his or her partner and the interviewee. 2) One should not lie in the introductions. 3)Then develop a rapport by creating an atmosphere of trust so that the interviewee feels comfortable enough to talk to the interviewer. 4)The questions that follow should start with a “tell me..” instructions and cover the who, what, where, when, why, and how questions and start from general questions to more specific questions after. 5)Then the interviewer summarizes what the interviewee says and this will provide an opportunity to check for accuracy. |
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Term
| Age and Sex factors for interviewees |
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Definition
| Where kids and young teenagers are able to relate their perceptions accurately, young adults perceive what interests them, mature adults are the most reliable and elderly may regress to child-like behavior but are pretty reliable at times too. Young girls should be interviewed by female interviewers, teenagers differ in the type of information remembered where male teens remember more mechanical details, cars, boats, sports, etc. and female teens remember voices, clothing and jewelry. |
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Term
| Duties of a first responding officer |
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Definition
| 1)tend to any victims and make sure if that person needs any medical assistance. 2) If medical assistance is needed, then the officer would direct medical workers to the wounded victim by an indirect route to prevent disturbing the evidence. 3) If the victim needs to be taken to the hospital, the officer should instruct the medical workers to recorded statements made by the victim on the way to the hospital. 4)The officer would then identify all individuals at the scene and log the information of who comes in and out of the scene. 5) The people include the bystanders and friends standing around and also medical personnel that arrived to the scene, along with the backup that will eventually arrive. 6) After that, the officer would establish the boundaries of the scene to be protected, which means the officer would block off any paths of entry and exit, areas where evidence may have been discarded or moved, and surround a barrier around the area where the crime was committed using police tape, rope, or traffic cones. The officer would create this boundary while telling the bystanders to step away from the crime scene because these people can possibly alter the evidence. |
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Term
| Traditional search methods for a crime scene |
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Definition
| 1)The first step is the insure that debris is not tracked into an indoor scene by his or her shoes. The second step is to conduct inch by inch search for all clues and evidence with first attention to floor of the crime scene. 2) Next be aware for possible alterations to the crime scene, such as post mortem lividity. 3) Next, examine all floors, doors, windows, walls, mail boxes, trash cans, entry and exit ways, furniture, etc. and record all findings. 4) Expand on the area of search, do not search in too small of an area. 5) Obtain license numbers and vehicle descriptions of all vehicles parked at the scene with reasonable distance. 6) Do not touch or move evidence until it has been identified, measured, recorded and photographed. All perishable evidence, such as blood, must be attended to first. |
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Term
| purpose of the crime scene walk-through |
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Definition
| to visualize what the scene looked like before the crime took place, visualize what took place at the crime scene, identify all evidence, identify the equipment and laboratory services needed to examine evidence, identify manpower needs, and establish a practical path through the scene, that affords the lowest risk of damaging or destroying evidence. |
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Term
| purpose and importance of the crime scene sketch. |
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Definition
| to augment the investigator's notes and photographs by providing an accurate record of the distances and relationships between the essential evidential components. It can also be used to orient witnesses as to their perception of the crime scene when performing a follow up. The most important aspect of the sketch is to present the crime scene in the courtroom of the case. |
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Term
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Definition
| any physical thing that may be found at the crime scene or elsewhere that has a direct connection or relationship with the scene, the suspect, or the victim. Some examples of such physical evidence are: fingerprints (where the special attention as to what method is the best method to lift latent fingerprints), foot and tire prints or imprints (where the special attention is to whether or not to lift prints using tape or to cast imprints using plaster), blood stains (if moist, must air out and cannot be dried using heat, and if dried, package in paper material like rolled in paper or placed in a box), and Firearm evidence. |
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Term
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Definition
| the custody of evidence must be maintained unbroken from the time of the collection of the evidence until it is presented in court. This is to prevent the evidence from being contaminated, altered, misplaced, or lost for any period of time, and if it is then it will not be admissible in court. |
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Term
| trace metal detection technique |
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Definition
| makes metal trace patterns on skin or clothing when treated with a test solution (hydroxyquinoline) and then is illuminated by ultraviolet light. |
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Term
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Definition
| used when the serial number has been ground off. In the area where the original number was, the process starts by polishing with an abrasive. The area is then covered with putty to contain the etching solution. This solution consists of either nitric, hydrochloric, or sulfuric acid. With some time, the acid may reveal the original number, unless the acid burns too much and eats away the shadow position. |
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Term
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Definition
| used in the examination , identification and evaluation of many kinds of physical evidence. It uses microscopic comparisons of such evidence as fibers, hairs, tool marks, pry marks, wood chips, soil samples, debris, paint, class, plastic fragments, etc |
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Term
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Definition
| a type of trace analysis that searches for all ABO typing of blood, semen, and other body fluids. |
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Term
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Definition
| an instrument used to separate complex mixtures of substances into component parts, identifying and quantifying them. This instrument is used to analyze narcotics, paints, petroleum products and other organic substances. |
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Term
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Definition
| the study of poisons and their actions on the living organism and is used to recognize poisoning symptons, remedial treatments and the actions of the poison in the body and also the poison in the blood and stomach contents. |
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Term
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Definition
| gauges the wavelengths of light in spectral light of materials vaporized to analyze evidence. Latent fingerprint and document analysis is also a form of trace analysis. |
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Term
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Definition
| a person who secretes a blood group substance corresponding to their major blood group in their body fluids (such as semen, saliva, vaginal secretions, etc). |
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Term
| the theory of the polygraph examination. |
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Definition
| it is an examination based on the emotion of fear and the fear of detection by a untruthful suspect will cause physiological changes in the body at the point of deception. These physiological changes can be diagnosed by a trained examiner and the subject must have something to gain or lose by submitting to the examination. |
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Term
| individual record files maintained in a crime and miscellaneous reports section |
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Definition
| 1) Crime report records and related files, 2) Vehicle report records and related files; stolen, lost, recovered, and impounded vehicles, 3) Stolen, lost and found property files, 4) Gun record files, 5) Missing persons file, 6) Dead body files, 7) Stolen and lost license plate files, 8) Vice location files, 9) Traffic accident files. |
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Term
| sources of information acquired through communication |
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Definition
| study (through formal education or an academy), Communication (through witnesses and victims interviews), Search and Research (through the crime scene and observing personal facts, etc.), Observation (take notice of people, objects, events, and circumstances along with utilizing the 5 senses), and Physical Properties (proper collection of evidence, handling and preservation, etc.) |
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Term
| sources of public records |
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Definition
| developed by exercising tact and courtesy when dealing with the custodian of records because public records are difficult to sift through and being courteous to the custodian is crucial. |
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Term
| Sources for private records |
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Definition
| developed by keeping a good rapport with the custodians of records along with other investigators as well. Integrity is important when dealing with private records because private persons do not have to divulge information or produce records except by court order. The only exception is when a private persons with a gunshot wound or battered child report must report the incident in some states. An investigator must also consider the embarrassment or even job discharge that may happen to the custodian if the certain information were leaked. |
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Term
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Definition
| developed first by meeting in private at all times. There must be no witnesses as to how and from whom the information was obtained. However, if the informant and the investigators work as a team based on the informant’s discretion. |
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Term
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Definition
| one must never meet an informant at the police station, locations should always be different for every time the informant meets with the investigator, and code names should be used for contacting informants whether in person or by phone. Additionally, confidential witnesses must never be used in court as a witness for the fear of danger to their lives. |
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Term
| recorded sources of information other than police agencies. |
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Definition
- City and court clerk: Business licenses & marriage applications; city or county assesor: plots, maps of real property, addresses, owner, taxable value and improvements; tax collector: taxpayers or property and all background information on the property; Public works department: city maps, streets, addresses alleys, tunnels, sewers, etc.; Building and Safety department: building permits, building inspectors and blueprints for constructions; Health department: communicable diseases; Personnel Department: employment and background information on civil service employee; Credit Union: savings and loan information on employee participants; City or County recorder: marriage licenses, birth certificates, death certificates, recorded deeds on properties, etc.
- State Agencies: Secretary of State, Controller, Department of Consumer Affairs, and State board tax records. Federal Agencies: Postal Service, U.S. Immigration, U.S. Civil Service Commission, State Department, U.S. Department of Treasury, Department of Transportation, Military Departments, and Veterans Administration records
- National Auto Theft Bureau, Private Investigation Agencies, Laundry and Dry Cleaners Association, Drugstores, Telephone and mail services, doctors, attorneys, and accountants, clergymen, hospitals, newspapers, consumer credit bureau, credit card companies, banks, BBB, and Chambers of Commerce records. |
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Term
| computerized systems available to police officers. |
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Definition
| CLETS (California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, NCIC (National Crime Information Center), and the California Department of Justice. |
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Term
| Fixed Post or Stakeout technique |
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Definition
| an observation by visual means aided by binoculars, telescope, motion picture or videotape photography. This kind of surveillance is conducted under authority of a search warrant and the type of case will dictate where the fixed post will be located, along with the equipment used. |
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Term
| Moving Surveillance or “Tail” |
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Definition
| by visual means but conducted by foot, vehicle, aircraft or any combination thereof. This can be conducted by one on one foot surveillance, two officer foot surveillance, three officer foot surveillance, foot and automobile surveillance, and one on one automobile surveillance. multi-automobile surveillance. |
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Term
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Definition
| the use of electronic transmitters, induction coils, amplifiers, microphones and recorders of varying degrees of sophistication. |
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Term
| Undercover employment, membership or special assignments |
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Definition
| where the investigator will find way to be part of the criminals, person who does business with the criminals or a potential victim of criminal activity |
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Term
| Undercover major investigations |
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Definition
| where the investigator will take up residence in a particular locale for an extended period of time while gaining friendship and confidence of the criminal and other elements that reside in or around the area |
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Term
| Undercover vice assignments |
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Definition
| where the investigator becomes the making a transaction to the illegal vices, like prostitution, drugs, gambling, obscene material, illegal liquor, etc. |
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Term
| Special considerations for Undercover assignments |
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Definition
| 1) An investigator must be cognizant at all times, so the investigator should not drink a lot of alcohol. 2) An investigator should take great care in not becoming involved romantically with anyone while undercover because this is could be a trap set by the ones you are investigating. 3) Investigators should not draw excessive attention to themselves by saying they are a leader of another group in another city because leaders are easier to track down than regular people. 4) Investigators should also be wary of bluffs that my spring up at any time when the suspects feel suspicious of the investigator’s actions. 5) An investigator must not engage in entrapment, or the inducing of committing a crime of an innocent person. |
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Term
| objectives of an interrogation. |
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Definition
| to ascertain facts (truth) in a lawful, professional manner. |
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Term
| legal constraints regarding statements made by suspects. |
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Definition
| statements made by suspects must be given voluntarily without compelling influences such as promises or hope of reward. Involuntary confessions are untrustworthy and and violates the fifth amendment privilege against self-incrimination. |
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Term
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Definition
| a warning by the investigator given to a suspect in custody that is about to be interrogated. must state that he or she has the right to remain silent, that any statement he or she makes may be used against him or her in a court of law, that he or she has the right to speak to an attorney and to have the attorney present during questioning, and that an attorney will be appointed if the suspect cannot afford one. required only if the suspect is to be questioned. Voluntary declarations are not under admonishment and is admissible in court as evidence. |
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Term
| Amendments reflected on the Miranda Admonitions |
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Definition
| The 5th Amendment right to remain silent and the 6th Amendment of the right to legal council. |
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Term
| purpose of written statements and confessions. |
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Definition
| to provide a written record of all pertinent information, the provide a written statement with which to refresh the memory of witnesses and to curtail attempts to change testimony at a later date, and the provide both the prosecution and defense with the testimony that may be expected at trial. |
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Term
| important to follow a chronological order in a statement |
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Definition
| because the interrogator must guide the person making the statement using questions or prompting remarks to cover all the pertinent activities related to the crime in a chronological order. |
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Term
| various methods of taking and recording statements |
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Definition
| writing, dictated to a stenographer or tape recorder, recorded on audiotape, videotape or motion picture film. |
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Term
| role and duties of the Coroner |
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Definition
| important to an investigation because the autopsies they perform can help find the cause of death, which is at times very difficult to determine. |
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Term
| reasons for investigators attending autopsies |
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Definition
| The coroner performs the autopsy then discusses the methodology and the reasons for the methodology during the autopsy. The coroner also points out and explains the methodology in the process, this way the investigator can witness the comparison of the evidence gathered and the damage caused to the victim. |
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Term
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Definition
| the acknowledgment that a fact, action, or circumstance is true |
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Term
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Definition
| a more complete statement admitting each element of the crime. |
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Term
| Phase 1 of research for jury selection |
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Definition
| A community survey for jury research on expected risk at trial or venue change, Jury simulations and mock trials, Focus groups |
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Term
| Phase 2 of research for jury selection |
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Definition
| Development of demonstrative and evidentiary exhibits that capture juror interests in the trial story, as identified and measured in earlier research; Witness Assessment : Using jury-based, empirical techniques we assess the abilities of key witnesses to carry the trial story and evaluate other related problems in testimony; Written analysis and recommendations generated from earlier research activity--the optimal jury will be modeled and a script of potential questions with rationale for strikes or desirability will be prepared for review prior to jury selection; Recommendations on themes for indoctrinations in the voir dire process; and Consultation as permitted during the actual voir dire. We will assist in picking juries based on the objective and subjective results of prior efforts which provide a unique basis for recommendations in this phase. |
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Term
| Phase 3 of research for jury selection |
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Definition
| Draft opening arguments developing persuasive themes identified by case research; suggest an order of proof; prepare scripted questions for direct or cross examination; provide courtroom observation and feedback, script potential closing arguments for attorney evaluation, and either staff parallel juries or provide social science observers in the courtroom. |
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Term
| Field work or community surveys |
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Definition
| conducted by engaging respondents in public settings (e.g., shopping malls or tire stores) with representative facts of the case, sophisticated models of approaches to trial may be evaluated. |
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Term
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Definition
| small groups of six to eight jury-eligible citizens are presented with a brief case synopsis. A group discussion is conducted including votes on verdict and potential award. This exercise is useful early on for developing themes to pursue in discovery and also may be used as an inexpensive tracking device to follow potential juror reactions to emerging case issues |
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Term
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Definition
| sessions organized at varying levels of detail, ranging from heuristic orientations to full replicate trials. A typical day-long simulation involves opening and closing of counsel for both parties with full explanation of summary testimony, exhibits, video depositions, and rebuttal. Prior to the exercise, jurors undergo an extensive briefing, similar in many respects to factual, as opposed to indoctrinating, voir dire. At the close of presentations and before entering group deliberations each juror completes both an open-ended personal questionnaire and a verdict form. |
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