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Criminal Investigation

For many of us, our knowledge of criminal investigation is derived from novels, television media, and crime dramas. Criminal investigation relies on modern technology such as digital imaging, laser fingerprint removal, and instant communication. To understand the practices of today, one must understand the evolution of policing and criminal investigation between the thirteenth and nineteenth centuries.

The United States' roots in criminal investigation began in Great Britain and resulted in the establishment of the first professional police force. To gain an understanding of what is meant by the term criminal investigation, you will review the history of and the types of criminal investigations, the role of the investigator, and the advancements in investigation that have resulted from criminal research.

This resource provides instruction for users to:

  • Define terms related to criminal investigation
  • Outline criminal investigation and English heritage
  • Map criminal investigation in America
  • Review criminal investigation research
  • Identify the objectives of criminal investigation Identify types of investigations
  • Describe the role of the criminal investigator 
  • Discuss the role of evidence at the scene
  • Summarize the First Officer's responsibilities
  • Chart the process of preliminary investigations
Criminal Investigation
PURPOSE
The Criminal Investigation credential documents the fundamental competencies for the criminal justice professional involved in investigating alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, state, and local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.

AUDIENCE
This credential is appropriate for criminal justice professionals including special agents, detectives, investigators, criminal investigators, police detectives, narcotics detectives, fire inspectors and investigators, correctional officers, sheriffs and deputy sheriffs, airfield operations specialists, social and human service professionals, and others involved in crime investigation. Though each position uses unique and specialized techniques and knowledge to investigate their respective types of crimes, this exam covers the fundamentals information.

JOB/CAREER REQUIREMENTS
Credentials in Criminal Investigation verifies competencies required for entry level workers involved in criminal investigation beginning with analyzing allegation reports to determine the evidence needed and direction investigation should take through crime scene investigation ending with writing reports of findings and testifying before grand juries and courts about investigation findings. Effective investigative professionals must have excellent problem solving skills, excellent communication skills, and skills of observation and deduction. They must be able to use technical tools and equipment including computer software, create accurate documentation and reports, apply criminal intelligence methods, and apply appropriate criminology theories in the investigation process. Successful criminal investigators have a thorough knowledge of the law, government, the court process, criminal offender and victim rights, and methods used by criminals. Areas of investigation include crimes against people, crime

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION WORKPLACE TASKS:
  • Investigate organized crime, public corruption, financial crime, copyright infringement, civil rights violations, bank robbery, extortion, kidnapping, and other violations of federal and state statutes
  • Identify case issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations 
  • Determine scope, timing, and direction of investigations  
  • Obtain and verify evidence using interview and observation techniques with suspects and witnesses
  • Obtain and verify evidence by analyzing records  
  • Search for and collect evidence, such as fingerprints, using investigative equipment  
  • Collect and record physical information about arrested suspects, including fingerprints, height and weight measurements, and photographs
  • Use tools and equipment including handcuffs, handguns, computers, surveillance video, audio recorders, two-way radios, database software, email, graphics and photo imaging software, and map creation software  
  • Record evidence and documents using equipment such as cameras and photocopy machines  
  • Obtain and use search and arrest warrants  
  • Testify before grand juries concerning criminal activity investigations  
  • Apply knowledge of law, government, public safety, security, and psychology in investigating criminal behavior 
  • Apply effective communication and active listening skills  
  • Write clearly and comprehensively to produce business and technical documents  
  • Apply social perceptive and interpersonal skills to achieve goals  
  • Apply complex problem solving and critical thinking to achieve goals

EXAM STRUCTURE OVERVIEW

Number of Questions in Exam: 170
Time Limit for Exam Parts:
  • Criminology: 40 items 
  • Criminal Investigation: 55 items 
  • Investigation of Specific types of Crime: 75 items
Total Time: 170 minutes
Overall Passing Score: 70%
(All sections require an individual passing score of 70%)
Criminal Investigation
These credentials document competencies including the organization and administration of law enforcement in the United States, the roles and functions of police, the roles and functions of community-oriented policing, the organization and structure of state and federal law enforcement agencies, and the legal foundation of policing in the U.S. They must also understand the basic concepts and activities used in criminal investigation. Further, they must be able to effectively recognize and handle the many law enforcement challenges and issues such as strategies for investigating organized crime, gangs, drug-related crimes, and terrorism as well as those used in crimes involving youth, immigrants, the mentally ill, and homeless. Law enforcement must also be able to apply best practices related to personnel issues, police officer rights, and police unions. Finally, law enforcement specialists must be able to perform the numerous activities and techniques involved in crime investigation Inc. Specifically, this badge demonstrates the earner's ability to explain stages, activities, and concepts associated with criminal investigation.
Criminal Investigation Externship
PURPOSE
The Criminal Investigation Externship badge documents the acquisition of practical experience in investigating alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, state, and local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.

AUDIENCE
This credential is appropriate for criminal justice professionals including special agents, detectives, investigators, criminal investigators, police detectives, narcotics detectives, fire inspectors and investigators, correctional officers, sheriffs and deputy sheriffs, airfield operations specialists, social and human service professionals, and others involved in crime investigation. Though each position uses unique and specialized techniques and knowledge to investigate their respective types of crimes, this exam covers the fundamentals information. 

jOB/CAREER REQUIREMENTS
Credentials in Criminal Investigation verifies competencies required for entry level workers involved in criminal investigation beginning with analyzing allegation reports to determine the evidence needed and direction investigation should take through crime scene investigation ending with writing reports of findings and testifying before grand juries and courts about investigation findings. Effective investigative professionals must have excellent problem solving skills, excellent communication skills, and skills of observation and deduction. They must be able to use technical tools and equipment including computer software, create accurate documentation and reports, apply criminal intelligence methods, and apply appropriate criminology theories in the investigation process. Successful criminal investigators have a thorough knowledge of the law, government, the court process, criminal offender and victim rights, and methods used by criminals. 

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION WORKPLACE TASKS:
The Externship badge confirms the earner's continued and successful practice of the following tasks demonstrating their ability to:
  • Investigate organized crime, public corruption, financial crime, copyright infringement, civil rights violations, bank robbery, extortion, kidnapping, and other violations of federal and state statutes
  • Identify case issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations 
  • Determine scope, timing, and direction of investigations  
  • Obtain and verify evidence using interview and observation techniques with suspects and witnesses ´ Obtain and verify evidence by analyzing records  
  • Search for and collect evidence, such as fingerprints, using investigative equipment  
  • Collect and record physical information about arrested suspects, including fingerprints, height and weight measurements, and photographs  
  • Use tools and equipment including handcuffs, handguns, computers, surveillance video, audio recorders, two-way radios, database software, email, graphics and photo imaging software, and map creation software  
  • Record evidence and documents using equipment such as cameras and photocopy machines  
  • Obtain and use search and arrest warrants  
  • Testify before grand juries concerning criminal activity investigations  
  • Apply knowledge of law, government, public safety, security, and psychology in investigating criminal behavior  
  • Apply effective communication and active listening skills  
  • Write clearly and comprehensively to produce business and technical documents  
  • Apply social perceptive and interpersonal skills to achieve goals  
  • Apply complex problem solving and critical thinking to achieve goals