First, excellence and innovation in investigations require a culture of excellence, which is a learning culture that fosters a willingness to change in the face of the changing environment in which investigations must be conducted. Second, investigative excellence requires a horizontal approach that translates into several levels of partnership, including partnership between investigators within the same police force; partnership between police forces; partnership within the domestic or international police community; and partnership between prosecution services. Third, partnership must be based on mutual trust and respect between the investigator and the prosecutor. Fourth, multidisciplinary teams or task forces may be necessary for the investigation of specialized types of crime. Fifth, there must be a "seamless process" between the beginning of the investigation and the end of the prosecution; this should include an operational plan and the fulfillment of disclosure obligations. Sixth, investigations must be theory-based; a well-developed theory of the case becomes a "roadmap," the "backbone" of the police investigation and the resulting prosecution. Seventh, investigative excellence is based on strategic choices in the targeting and the charging process. Although the police have an interest in casting the investigative net as widely as possible, partnership with the prosecution requires that the focus of the investigation be narrowed as quickly as possible. Other principles of investigative excellence are to employ the strategic use of technology and existing powers, to obtain community support, and to develop ongoing joint training and cross-training of police and prosecution personnel.