Criminal Investigation: An Introduction

This introductory book explores the fundamentals that are generic to all types of investigations — criminal and otherwise. Using real cases to illustrate how investigators actually work in a variety of situations, it provides readers with a solid background for the more specialized training they will encounter on the job. Draws upon the author's extensive training and work with the FBI, U.S. Department of State, and as an attorney and corporate security director. Acknowledges that both public and private sector investigators have occasion to conduct investigations unrelated to crime — a topic largely ignored in other books. Emphasizes the investigator's objectivity in the conduct of all investigations. Devotes an entire chapter to the characteristics of a good investigator. Uses actual cases to illustrate how investigators work — showing how painstaking investigations can be, how investigators' personal traits affect their work, how in some cases luck contributes to solutions, and how some cases are never solved. This book will appeal to those preparing to be or currently are federal investigators, law enforcement officials, corporate security officials, attorneys.