Detectives

A detailed Summary of Detectives

A detective is a police officer, whose duty is to detect criminals, by in-depth

investigation of cases. When attempting to solve a crime, detectives conduct a criminal investigation that seeks all the facts about a crime to help determine the truth: what happened and who is responsible. This involves making a preliminary and final investigation. A detective's task is to gather, organize, and use information about social behavior. To effectively complete that task a detective should possess certain characteristics: intellectual, psychological, and physical. Studies were conducted on the importance and efficiency of the

criminal investigation system, and on the need to integrate written policies, and rules.

Detectives have many different functions. All help them attain the ultimate purpose of detective work, which is to recognize, gather, and organize information for case disposition. Detectives provide emergency assistance, conduct raids, surveillance works, stakeouts, conduct undercover assignments, as well as testify in court.

In order to more effectively investigate a case, a detective must possess certain personal characteristics. Detectives should have intellectual qualities, but great intelligence is not needed.

The responsibility to solve crimes belongs to the entire police force. An investigation is a coordinated departmental effort. An investigation relies on the assistance of other individuals and agencies, as well as major assistance coming from the public in obtaining information. A patrol officer is first on the scene of a crime, so detectives become dependent on the prior work of the patrol officer in their preliminary investigation. Patrol officers make an initial decision concerning whether an incident has sufficient grounds to report it.

Another study conducted, looked at the need for "some written directives, prepared by the administration of the [police] department, which have been labeled policies, rules, procedures" (Schubert, 1981:261). This study found that there had been little advancement in regulating police discretion by police departments. Three reasons were behind this lack of

Criminal investigators show society that someone is trying to help them, and that someone is on their side when they have been victimized by a criminal. Victims also find closure when the perpetrator is identified and found guilty. If the case is not solved, ongoing suspicion, and lack of closure can ruin the lives of many people of many people.

Studies on the work of detectives must be done regularly in order to maintain a non-corrupt and efficient crime force. The Rand Detective Study (Sanders, 1977:139) was a two-year study which evaluated the criminal investigation process, looking at four different aspects of the process. The study described current investigative practices, and looked at the contribution an investigation makes to a case, as well as the effectiveness of the techniques used for gathering physical evidence, and the impact of organizational styles on investigations. The Rand Detective Study found that investigators did not give their full attention to half of the serious crimes committed. Findings showed that more of the investigator's attention was spent on those cases that had little or no chance of being solved. In addition, the Rand Detective study also found that documentation of cases was inadequate to meet the standards.

The decision making required by investigations can be very stressful. Thus, it is important to also possess certain psychological characteristics. It is important that detectives not become personally involved in the cases they investigate. Personal involvement hinders an investigation, and poses a threat to the emotional well-being of the investigator, causing him or her undue stress. A detective must therefore be emotionally well balanced, and have the ability to remain detached, and discerning. In addition, a detective must possess other p

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Approximate Word count = 1833
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

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