NCJ Number
94281
Journal
Criminal Justice Review Volume: 9 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1984) Pages: 33-39
Date Published
1984
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This research examined the criminal investigation process in a suburban police department through case-tracking of 5,536 crime reports.
Abstract
In addition, 3,243 hours of investigative activity were monitored through 'detective' logs to provide a broader perspective on the criminal investigator's working day. Finally, 132 solved cases were closely examined in order to identify the procedures leading to success. The pattern of findings was similar to that obtained in the landmark study of the Rand Corporation, i.e., that cases are 'solved' largely through routine processing of information that is provided at the crime scene. Nevertheless, the study points to the importance of interrogation skills as a part of routine processing. (Author abstract)