Intro to Crime Investigation first quiz ch1to3

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.