Principles of Investigative Documentation (2nd Edition)
Principles of Investigative Documentation (2nd Edition)

Author: Philip Becnel

Publisher: Charles C Thomas Publisher

Published: 2024-01-10

Total Pages: 268

ISBN-13: 039809439X

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This is the only book in existence that discusses the process of documenting an investigation from start to finish. It presents just about everything an investigator needs to know regarding how to document an investigation. This new edition builds upon the principles outlined in the first edition, but the new edition has a criminal defense bent, with numerous case examples provided that include insurance claims and civil litigation, criminal defense, murders, sexual assaults, and other serious felonies, particularly wrongful convictions. These require meticulous documentation. Proper documentation matters most in criminal cases. This book therefore will focus also on the rights of those accused of crimes. The first chapter discusses the five primary principles of investigative documentation: taking comprehensive notes; documenting every effort to contact witnesses and all surveillance; preparing reports whenever there is any possibility of needing to testify; taking verbatim statements from hostile witnesses and declarations from friendly witnesses; and providing all case documents to the client or maintaining a document retention plan. The second chapter details the numerous misconceptions pertaining to investigative documentation. This chapter sets the stage for the remaining chapters on note-taking, running resumes, reports, statements, and documentation retention. Each chapter is broken down into four or five sections that approximate the methods used to complete that particular documentary endeavor. The book also contains an exhaustive appendix that many investigators will find to be very useful. This is an advanced book for people who already have the necessary skills to do an investigation. By following the principles outlined in this book, investigators will see the quality of their investigations improve markedly and ultimately be more successful. Although the authors have chosen to refocus the second edition on criminal defense investigations, where proper documentation is most important, the principles herein remain the benchmark of how to document any investigation in the private sector.

Introduction to Criminal Investigation
Introduction to Criminal Investigation

Author: Michael Birzer

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2018-07-31

Total Pages: 390

ISBN-13: 1439897484

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The manner in which criminal investigators are trained is neither uniform nor consistent, ranging from sophisticated training protocols in some departments to on-the-job experience alongside senior investigators in others. Ideal for students taking a first course in the subject as well as professionals in need of a refresher, Introduction to Criminal Investigation uses an accessible format to convey concepts in practical, concrete terms. Topics discussed include: The history of criminal investigation in Western society Qualifications for becoming an investigator, the selection process, and ideal training requirements Crime scene search techniques, including planning and post-search debriefing Preparing effective field notes and investigative reports Interviewing and interrogating Types of evidence found at the crime scene and how to collect, package, and preserve it The contributions of forensic science to criminal investigations and the equipment used in crime labs Investigative protocol for a range of crimes, including property crimes, auto theft, arson, financial crimes, homicide, assault, sex crimes, and robbery Specialized investigations, including drug trafficking, cybercrime, and gang-related crime Legal issues involved in criminal investigations and preparing a case for trial Bringing together contributions from law enforcement personnel, academics, and attorneys, the book combines practical and theoretical elements to provide a comprehensive examination of today‘s criminal investigative process. The accessible manner in which the information is conveyed makes this an ideal text for a wide-ranging audience.

Crime Scene Investigation
Crime Scene Investigation

Author: National Institute of Justice (U.S.). Technical Working Group on Crime Scene Investigation

Publisher:

Published: 2000

Total Pages: 64

ISBN-13:

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This is a guide to recommended practices for crime scene investigation. The guide is presented in five major sections, with sub-sections as noted: (1) Arriving at the Scene: Initial Response/Prioritization of Efforts (receipt of information, safety procedures, emergency care, secure and control persons at the scene, boundaries, turn over control of the scene and brief investigator/s in charge, document actions and observations); (2) Preliminary Documentation and Evaluation of the Scene (scene assessment, "walk-through" and initial documentation); (3) Processing the Scene (team composition, contamination control, documentation and prioritize, collect, preserve, inventory, package, transport, and submit evidence); (4) Completing and Recording the Crime Scene Investigation (establish debriefing team, perform final survey, document the scene); and (5) Crime Scene Equipment (initial responding officers, investigator/evidence technician, evidence collection kits).

Principles of Investigative Documentation
Principles of Investigative Documentation

Author: Philip A. Becnel

Publisher: Charles C Thomas Publisher

Published: 2012-01-01

Total Pages: 172

ISBN-13: 0398086974

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This is the only book in existence that discusses the process of documenting an investigation from start to finish. It presents just about everything an investigator needs to know regarding how to document an investigation. The first chapter discusses the five primary principles of investigative documentation: taking comprehensive notes; documenting every effort to contact witnesses and all surveillance; preparing reports whenever there is any possibility of needing to testify; taking verbatim statements from hostile witnesses and declarations from friendly witnesses; and providing all case documents to the client or maintaining a document retention plan. The second chapter details the numerous misconceptions pertaining to investigative documentation. This chapter sets the stage for the remaining chapters on note-taking, running resumes, reports, statements, and documentation retention. Each chapter is broken down into four or five sections that approximate the methods used to complete that particular documentary endeavor. The book also contains an exhaustive appendix that many investigators will find to be very useful, including: one that lists hundreds of abbreviations that investigators may find helpful when taking notes; sample reports that readers may use as templates for generating their own reports; an alphabetic stylebook that is based on styles used by the media and federal law enforcement agencies that provides a quick tool for properly referencing abbreviations, names, capitalization and numerals, among other topics; and several sample statements and declarations to show what these documents, when completed, are supposed to look like. This is an advanced book for people who already have the necessary skills to do an investigation. By following the principles outlined in this book, investigators will see the quality of their investigations improve markedly and ultimately be more successful.

Introduction to Conducting Private Investigations
Introduction to Conducting Private Investigations

Author: Philip A. Becnel IV

Publisher: Coventry House Publishing

Published: 2021-01-10

Total Pages: 297

ISBN-13:

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Introduction to Conducting Private Investigations provides the essential tools you need to become a successful private investigator. From conducting straightforward background investigations to more complicated cases involving accidents and fraud, you will learn the critical skills needed to conduct all types of investigations and build a thriving business. Specifically tailored to meet the requirements established by the Department of Criminal Justice Services, this easy-to-use resource offers an excellent balance between theory and practice, and is the definitive guide for private investigation instruction. Learn About Eight Types of Investigations: • Accident investigations • Background investigations • Criminal investigations • Domestic investigations • Fraud and financial investigations • Insurance investigations • Missing persons investigations • Undercover investigations Inside This Textbook You Will Learn: • How to apply the scientific method to the investigation process • How to conduct research, interviews, and surveillance • How to manage the products of an investigation • The ethics of being a private investigator • The law of public and private investigations

Forensic Investigation
Forensic Investigation

Author: Rudolph Zinn

Publisher:

Published: 2015

Total Pages: 499

ISBN-13: 9780702186479

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The authors of Forensic Investigation: Legislative Principles and Investigative Practice aim to meet the needs of this field by examining how forensic investigations should be conducted in South Africa, with reference to local legislative principles and scientific processes.

Story-Based Inquiry: A Manual for Investigative Journalists
Story-Based Inquiry: A Manual for Investigative Journalists

Author: Mark Lee Hunter

Publisher: UNESCO

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 89

ISBN-13: 9231041894

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"Investigative Journalism means the unveiling of matters that are concealed either deliberately by someone in a position of power, or accidentally, behind a chaotic mass of facts and circumstances - and the analysis and exposure of all relevant facts to the public. In this way investigative journalism crucially contributes to freedom of expression and freedom of information, which are at the heart of UNESCO's mandate. The role media can play as a watchdog is indispensable for democracy and it is for this reason that UNESCO fully supports initiatives to strengthen investigative journalism throughout the world. I believe this publication makes a significant contribution to promoting investigative journalism and I hope it will be a valuable resource for journalists and media professionals, as well as for journalism trainers and educators." -- Jānis Kārklinš, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO, Preface, page 1.

Global Drug Enforcement
Global Drug Enforcement

Author: Gregory D. Lee

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2003-10-27

Total Pages: 442

ISBN-13: 0203488989

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It's a national epidemic and an international conspiracy. Drugs have infested our society with a vengeance, making the drug enforcement agent a central figure in the war on drugs. International training teams of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have traditionally taught the special skills required by all drug agents. Until now, there

Counterinsurgency Strategy--A Path to Effective Policing
Counterinsurgency Strategy--A Path to Effective Policing

Author: Howard Rahtz

Publisher: Charles C Thomas Publisher

Published: 2024-08-29

Total Pages: 178

ISBN-13: 0398094543

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Counterinsurgency Strategy – A Path to Effective Policing opens with American military action in Mosul, Iraq, in 2003. The civil authority in a city of 1.7 million people had collapsed, government ministry buildings had been looted, and criminal gangs and ethnic conflict raged out of control. General David Petraeus, utilizing the military’s Counterinsurgency Doctrine (COIN), restored security, allowing the re-emergence of the local economy. He worked with the local leaders to hold elections and, in short order, restored civil society. The COIN principles used by General Petraeus in Iraq have application to the violent crime issues plaguing cities in the United States. Increasing disorder in the face of declining police legitimacy and a growing trust gap between police and the communities they serve are analogous to the situation facing military commanders combatting insurgencies. Given the current debate on police militarization occurring across the country, the book reviews the history of police militarization, the provision of military equipment to police through the Department of Defense, and the impact of militarization on police tactics. COIN operational values in the context of the militarization debate are reviewed. A paradox in policing is the growth of militarism concurrent with the movement toward Community Policing. While Community Policing has received significant attention among military COIN adherents, discussion of COIN strategy among police researchers has been nearly nonexistent. This book examines the commonalities of COIN strategy with the philosophy of Community-Oriented Policing. Effective policing efforts to reduce crime and disorder are highlighted, and the role of the COIN strategy in these efforts is reviewed. A detailed guide to adapting COIN strategy and tactics for local police departments is also provided. This book aims to provide for neighborhood safety based on police legitimacy, effective security, and a whole-of-government effort to address local community problems.