Introduction to Criminal Investigation

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.

Michael Birzer, Cliff Roberson