Investigations Midterm

What are the primary objectives of a criminal investigation?

• determine if a crime occurred

• gather evidence

• find out which statutes were violated

• identify suspects

In evidence collection, why is a proper chain of custody important?

It ensures that all evidence is properly stored and none is excluded.

What is the CSI Effect?

People have unrealistic expectations of the criminal investigative process due to shows and movies.

What are solvability factors?

The available evidence that can help solve a case:

• witnesses

• surveillance

• physical evidence

The more of these present, the “easier” a case would be to solve. Priority is shown to cases with higher SF.

What are three key evidence collection considerations?

1. preservation

2. chain of custody

3. integrity

What is a suspects method of operation?

• how a suspect went about committing a crime (pattern of behavior) (can sometimes change)

• signature (never changes)

• allows criminal investigators to link offenders to a crime

What is the Locard Exchange Principle

Every contact leaves a trace, such as DNA or fingerprints. Important when looking at crime scenes.

What is the purpose of an investigative plan?

• outlines what needs to be done

• framework

What are the requirements for a search warrant?

• probable cause

• specificity

• time frame (hours included)

What happens if evidence is seized without a lawful warrant?

• it will not be admissible in court

• the exclusionary rule

What are the three digital evidence file types?

1. pictures: .jpeg

2. audio: .mp3 or .mp4

3. documents: .word/doc or .pdf

In a criminal investigation, what is the purpose of evidence?

• it helps prove the elements of the crime

• it corroborates stories

• links suspect to the crime

In reactive investigations, when the complainant is known and available, what is usually the first investigative step?

• interview the complainant

• know how they know what they know

What is probable cause?

• believing that a crime was committed based on the available facts

• legal standards of proof

• reason to believe

Explain the Fruits of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine.

• an extension of the exclusionary rule

• you lose all evidence that came from something seized unlawfully