Michael Birzer, Cliff Roberson
Publisher CRC Press
Overview: 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.