Chapter 13: The Investigation of Robbery

Chapter 13: The Investigation of Robbery

Overview

  • Focus on the investigation of robbery incidents, their characteristics, and investigative strategies.

Key Concepts

Definition of Robbery
  • Robbery Defined: Robbery is defined as taking property unlawfully from a person or immediate presence of another by force or intimidation.
  • High Robbery Rate: Robbery is noted for having a high occurrence rate, especially in urban settings.
  • Situations of Robbery: Varieties of situations where robberies may occur, including street robbery, vehicle theft, and business heists.

Statistics on Robbery

  • Street robbery statistics for 2022 show significant trends in demographics and methods.
  • In 2022, 23% of all robberies were cleared by arrest nationally, highlighting the efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement.

Characteristics of Robbery

Types and Contexts of Robbery
  • Street Robbery: Often involves young males and highlights social and economic factors.
  • Robberies Involving Illicit Goods: Include those involving drugs and other illicit activities.
  • Mugging: A specific type of robbery targeting individuals in public spaces.
Criminal Demographics
  • Those who commit robbery are most often young males.
  • Victim Demographics: Individuals may also be young and male, particularly in street robberies.
  • Vehicle Theft: Involves unique methods and motivations, often linked to the same demographic.

Investigative Techniques

Eyewitness Identification
  • Eyewitness accounts serve as critical evidence in investigations.
  • Investigators often compile composite sketches based on eyewitness descriptions.
Alarms and Video Evidence
Holdup Alarms
  • The purpose and effectiveness of holdup alarms in enhancing police response times.
  • Quick Response Importance: Alarms lead to faster police intervention, which is crucial during robberies.
CCTV and Surveillance
  • Closed Circuit Television (CCTV): Role of video surveillance in documenting criminal activities and aiding investigations.
  • Issues may arise with video evidence such as quality and availability.

Modus Operandi (MO) of Robbery

Understanding MO
  • MO can provide vital clues linking multiple robberies to the same offender.
  • Investigators analyze factors such as:
    1. Target selection
    2. Planning degree
    3. Approach to the target
    4. Verbal demands made during the robbery
    5. Types of weapons used
    6. Nature of force exerted
    7. Method of departure
Target Selection
  • The choice of target is influenced by proximity to the offender's home and type of victims.
  • Younger offenders tend to commit robberies closer to home; former employees often target businesses they know well.
Planning Degree
  • Well-planned robberies usually indicate experience and may involve multiple offenders, advanced planning, disguises, and getaway vehicles.
Differences Between Professional and Amateur Bank Robbers

  • Professional Robbers are:

    • Typically work in groups, show advanced planning, and may possess prior convictions.
    • Use disguises and often imply strong intimidation.
    • Tend to rob banks at specific times for maximum success.

  • Amateur Robbers are:

    • Usually solitary, less organized, more likely to act on impulse.
    • Have a higher rate of failure and are often apprehended shortly after the crime.

Evidence Gathering

Physical Evidence
  • Investigators focus on gathering tangible evidence from the crime scene, including:
    • Identification of involved individuals
    • Methods for thorough searches.
Digital Evidence
  • Recognize the use of digital tools in investigations, including:
    • Use of dye packs, bait bills, and GPS devices to track stolen items.

Interrogations and Information Gathering

Strategies for Interrogation
  • The most productive strategies involve a non-emotional response.
  • Leveraging high recidivism rates to gather insights from probation and parole officers.
Citizen Engagement
  • Importance of public participation and willingness to provide tips leading to arrests and case resolutions.

Other Investigative Strategies

  • Use of social media for disseminating information related to robbery cases to the public.

Conclusion

  • A multi-faceted approach is essential in the investigation of robberies, focusing on prevention, response, and evidence collection. Understanding the characteristics and behaviors associated with robbery can significantly aid law enforcement efforts.