The Criminal Investigation Process

Copyright 1977.

Investigative units in police departments have traditionally been immune from outside inspection. even by some chiefs. Recently, however, many departments have been opening their doors and their files to researchers, permitting a realistic description of the daily routine of investigators and the techniques they use to solve crimes. This study is the first to achieve a national perspective on the investigative process. Building on earlier research conducted in single departments, it systematically brings to bear evidence collected through a national survey, site visits, field observations, and analyses of special data files.

The book examines traditional approaches to criminal investigation by police departments and suggests that broad changes may be necessary to upgrade police investigation effectiveness. These changes fall in several areas, including follow-up inquiry, special investigative units, and information-processing systems.