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Police Function and the Investigation of Crime

NCJ Number
123612
Author(s)
J B Morgan
Date Published
1990
Length
191 pages
Annotation
After comparing fictional and practitioner perceptions of detectives' investigative techniques for England and Wales, this book argues for the development of a more effective organizational structure for criminal investigations through an integrated approach.
Abstract
Chapters review the myths and customs of criminal investigative techniques as perceived by the public, fictional detective stories, the practitioner, and the police middle manager. Current investigative training in basic police courses and detective courses is examined and found wanting. Separate chapters cover criminal statistics and the reporting of crime to the police, the role of forensic science in crime investigation, and police interrogation. Two chapters discuss the provisions and impact on interrogation of the British Police and Criminal Evidence Act. The study concludes that current investigative techniques lack an organizational and management structure that ensures an integrated investigative approach that focuses on information collection, storage, and analysis. The proposed investigative strategy focuses on the initial investigation by the patrol officer, case screening to ensure the effective and efficient use of resources, the use of computerized case data, and the monitoring of the investigative process. 27 tables, 126 references.