Midterm Klausur INtro ton CR

Criminal Investigation

A systematic process of identifying, collecting, preserving, and evaluating information and evidence to determine whether a crime was committed, identify the perpetrator, and assist in prosecution.

Patrol Officer

The first responder to a crime scene whose initial observations, scene securing, and preliminary reporting lay the foundation for the entire investigation.

Reactive Investigation

An investigation initiated after a crime has occurred and been reported to law enforcement.

Proactive Investigation

An investigation initiated by police prior to or during criminal activity, often utilizing surveillance or sting operations.

Fingerprinting

The identification technique relying on unique friction ridge patterns on human fingers, serving as a primary means of personal identification in criminalistics.

Rand Corporation Study

A landmark 1970s study on police investigative practices showing that patrol officers, rather than detectives, solve a majority of crimes and that traditional investigative work often lacked efficiency.

Case Screening

A management tool used to evaluate reported crimes based on solvability factors to determine whether a case should be assigned for follow‑up investigation or suspended.

Solvability Factors

Key elements of information (e.g., named suspect, witness, usable evidence) that indicate a case has a realistic likelihood of being solved.

Preliminary Investigation

The initial phase of an investigation conducted immediately after a crime, usually led by patrol officers to secure the scene, locate witnesses, and gather immediate facts.

Follow‑Up Investigation

The secondary phase of an investigation, typically assigned to detectives, which builds on preliminary findings through detailed interviewing, analysis, and tracking of leads.

Compstat

A computer‑driven management accountability system that utilizes data, mapping, and regular strategy meetings to address crime patterns and deploy resources effectively.

Crime Analysis

The quantitative and qualitative study of crime patterns, trends, and suspect profiles to assist operational units.

Crime Mapping

The spatial analysis of criminal activity using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to visualize hot spots and geographic patterns.

Arrest

Taking a person into legal custody to answer to a criminal charge based on probable cause.

Probable Cause

A reasonable belief, based on trustworthy facts and circumstances, that a crime has been committed and that the specific suspect committed it.

Search Warrant

A written order issued by a judge authorizing law enforcement officers to search a specific location for specified evidence.

Exclusionary Rule

A constitutional doctrine prohibiting the admission of illegally obtained evidence in court.

Direct Evidence

Evidence that directly proves a fact without requiring any inference or presumption (e.g., eyewitness testimony seeing the crime take place).

Indirect Evidence (Circumstantial Evidence)

Evidence that proves a set of facts from which a jury may infer the existence of another fact (e.g., fingerprints at a scene or possession of recently stolen goods).

Real Evidence (Physical Evidence)

Tangible physical objects related to the crime (e.g., weapons, blood samples, illicit drugs).

Demonstrative Evidence

Charts, diagrams, maps, or models used to illustrate or explain testimony to a judge or jury.

Testimonial Evidence

Oral or written statements provided under oath by witnesses, victims, or suspects.

Admissibility of Evidence

The legal standard governing whether evidence may be introduced and considered by the trier of fact in a court proceeding.

Lineup

An identification procedure where a witness views a group of individuals (or photos) to identify a suspect.

Photo Array

An identification procedure where a series of photographs is presented to a witness or victim to identify a perpetrator.

Internet

Provides rapid access to public records, social media data, and open‑source intelligence for investigations.

People as Sources

Offer firsthand accounts, observations, and leads unavailable in databases.

State and Local Sources

Include DMV, unemployment offices, licensing bureaus, utilities, and local agencies.

Telephone Companies

Provide subscriber info, call records, and location data with proper legal process.

Credit Bureau Information Machines

Access credit histories, addresses, employment, and financial patterns.

Utilities

Reveal service records, addresses, payment history, and occupancy information.

Mail Covers

A postal inspection technique recording data on mail sent to or from a subject.

Federal Agencies

Maintain specialized intelligence databases and national investigative records.

Freedom of Information Act

Allows public access to federal records unless exempt for security or privacy reasons.

Privacy Act

Protects individuals’ personal data held by federal agencies and limits disclosure.

Interviewing

Gathers information from witnesses or victims to establish facts.

Interrogation

Seeks confessions or admissions from suspects through structured questioning.

Listening

Ensures accurate understanding, builds rapport, and reveals inconsistencies.

Establishing Rapport

Increases cooperation, reduces anxiety, and encourages truthful communication.

Cognitive Interview

Enhances memory recall using structured mental reconstruction techniques.

Interviewing Children

Requires age‑appropriate language and non‑leading questions.

Behavior‑Oriented Interview

Focuses on nonverbal cues, stress indicators, and behavioral changes.

Reluctant Witnesses

Require patience and rapport‑building to overcome fear or distrust.

Persuasion in Interrogation

Encourages suspects to talk or confess without coercion.

Recording Information

Creates accurate documentation for reports, court, and follow‑up.

Polygraph

Measures physiological responses but does not prove truth; often inadmissible in court.

Hypnosis

May aid memory recall but is controversial and legally restricted.

Informant

A person who provides information to law enforcement, often confidentially.

Evaluating Informants

Determines reliability, motives, and accuracy of information.

Soft Intelligence

Unverified information that may guide leads but requires confirmation.

Procedural Safeguards

Protect informant identity and ensure legal compliance.

Crime‑Specific Informants

Provide specialized knowledge in areas like drugs, burglary, or sex offenses.

Field Notes

Record immediate observations and evidence for later report writing.

Report Writing Principles

Reports must be factual, objective, complete, and written clearly.

Modus Operandi

A criminal’s method or pattern of committing crimes.

Property Description

Ensures proper identification and documentation of stolen items.

Narrative Section

Provides a chronological, detailed account of events and actions.

Objectivity in Reports

Prevents bias and maintains credibility in investigations and court.