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Managing Criminal Investigations

NCJ Number
82441
Author(s)
J A Cecchetti
Date Published
1980
Length
38 pages
Annotation
The current criminal investigation procedure of the Stockton Police Department (Calif.) is assessed, and the planned upgrading of the procedure is described.
Abstract
Traditional case assignment is currently used in criminal investigations; however, the present volume of crime makes it increasingly difficult to manage cases. The planned investigative system increases the patrol officer's role in the investigative process. The primary change will be the introduction of a case-management receipt system (CMR). The CMR form identifies nine solvability factors for crimes. Based on the solvability factors characterizing each crime, the patrol officer will classify a case as (1) detectives -- needing followup by investigations division; (2) field operations -- needing followup by patrol; and (3) crime analysis -- followup not warranted. The CMR forms will be given to the Records Section for distribution. The Case Screening and Case Control Section will review the CMR's to ensure that the proper classification of cases has been made by patrol officers. Further, this section has primary responsibility for controlling those cases designated as needing followup by patrol. Officers assigned case followup will resubmit the cases after followup for review by the Case Screening Unit. In all such cases, they will be reclassified as needing followup by investigations or no followup necessary. The Investigations Division or Juvenile Section will receive copies of all crime reports regardless of classification; however, these sections will have primary responsibility for those cases classified as needing followup by investigations. The new system will also require a revision of the existing assignment log, a new investigator assignment record, and a case form to be completed by assigned investigators. Detailed discussions of aspects of the investigation procedures and forms are appended.