NCJ Number
184501
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 69 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2000 Pages: 1-5
Editor(s)
John E. Ott
Date Published
August 2000
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Time line analysis can help law enforcement investigators record and analyze large amounts of data, prepare for witness interviews, and write affidavits; it can also facilitate the assimilation of large volumes of information gathered from such investigative techniques as search warrants, record reviews, and wire taps.
Abstract
Time lines can help during interrogations by providing investigators with succinct information that may aid in accusing subjects and may help to redirect protests made by subjects concerning their guilt. In addition, time lines give investigators a tool for presenting their case to others, including managers, prosecutors, and jurors. Time lines can also be used by law enforcement administrators to enhance crime surveys that track crime problems in their jurisdictions and to determine where resources should be applied. Further, courts can benefit from using time lines to track subjects through the judicial process. Various spreadsheet programs are available for use by investigators to effectively construct, consolidate, and link time lines. A sample case is included to illustrate the concept of using a time line. 9 endnotes, 2 figures, and 1 photograph