criminal investigation essay conclusion

Criminal Investigation Expository Essay

There are various methods of inquiry. These methods can be grouped into either scientific or non scientific methods. The preferred method of inquiry in criminal investigation is the scientific method. In this method, an investigator develops a hypothesis and then investigates the viability of the hypothesis, which is a similar procedure as used in science. In addition to the scientific method of inquiry, non-scientific methods are also used.

The non scientific methods relate to authority, tenacity and intuition. Authority method of inquiry is where an investigator takes the words of a person in authority as true and relies on them for investigation (Wood, 1995). In criminal investigation, authority method of inquiry can apply where an investigator is influenced by individuals in authority in his or her investigation. For example, claims from senior police officers may influence the direction of an investigation.

Tenacity is the other method of inquiry. In this method, an investigator relies on prior knowledge without questioning whether the information is true or not. In criminal investigation, tenacity can lead to bias in investigation. For example, when investigating a crime such as drug trafficking, prior knowledge of the common trend in drug trafficking may mislead the investigation.

Intuition is the other common method of inquiry. In this method, an investigator uses inner feeling to direct the investigation. In criminal investigation, some investigators claim to use inner feeling to direct their investigation but the method is not reliable.

To be successful, an investigator should have the right mindset. This means that he or she should not have a fixed mind while carrying out an investigation but should be open to all possibilities (Ray, 1998). Despite being open to all eventualities, an investigator should be guided by the obvious and then move to the details.

It is expected that a good investigator should have a checklist, which he or she uses as a guide in an investigation. The mindset in investigation usually is derived from experience, training, observation and studies carried out on a subject. The mindset provides an investigator with a framework which he or she uses to carry out investigations.

Experience is vital in criminal investigation. Experience exposes an investigator to many possibilities and therefore helps make an appropriate decision at the right time. Therefore, being open to all possibilities is equivalent to having an investigative mindset. The following scenario illustrates the importance of being open to all possibilities: A man crosses the border regularly on bicycle.

An investigator initially suspects the man to be a drug trafficker but on checking, nothing suspicious is found on the man. Later, the man is found to be smuggling the bicycle he was ridding (Ray, 1998, p.4). The scenario shows the importance of considering many possibilities rather than having a fixed mindset.

The scientific technique is the most reliable method of inquiry. It is also possibly the most common method. Scientific method is a logical method of carrying out an investigation. Unlike non scientific methods, the scientific method follows a specific procedure in finding an answer to a given problem (Hunter & Dantzker, 2006). The scientific method assumes a healthy skepticism, which enables the investigator to approach a problem with an open mind.

The main objective of scientific methods is to overcome any bias and therefore arrive at a conclusion in an objective manner. The first step in the scientific method is observation. After observations are made, the investigator develops a hypothesis, which he or she tries to test through the process of investigation (Becker, 2008).

The investigator then identifies all the variables to the problem under investigation. Guided by the set hypothesis, the investigator evaluates the variables in order to support or reject the hypothesis. The results of a scientific study are obtained in an objective manner and are therefore justifiable.

In a criminal investigation, the hypothesis defines the investigative problem in a precise manner. The investigator then goes ahead to conduct the test, gather the necessary information, and make predictions. The investigator then uses inductive reasoning to make conclusion based on gathered data.

The objective of a criminal investigation is to gather information to determine whether crime has been committed in order to bring the individuals involved to book. A successful investigation should provide prove beyond doubt as to who was involved in a crime in order to allow justice to take its own course.

In conducting investigations, investigators rely on various sources of information. The three main source of information include the people involved, physical evidence and records. The people involved in a crime include the victim, the suspect and witnesses (Palmiotto, 2004, p. 2).

The victim and witness provide first-hand information related to the crime and therefore guide the investigation. A witness refers to any person who has first-hand information on the circumstances under which the crime is committed. Witnesses help investigators to verify information provided by the victim or the suspect. On the other hand, physical evidence plays a significant role in criminal investigation.

Do they not only provide evidence, which is important in a court of law but they also provide insights to the investigator. The records retained by criminal justice systems are the other important source of information. The past criminal records and fingerprint records of the suspect among other records play a significant role in criminal investigation.

Reference List

Becker, R. (2008). Criminal Investigation , New York: Jones & Bartlett Learning

Hunter, R., & Dantzker, M. (2006). Research Methods for Criminology and Criminal Justice: a primer , New York: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Palmiotto, M. (2004). Criminal Investigation , Washington DC: University of America.

Ray, D. (1998). Information-gathering Strategies: The Investigative Mindset , Web.

Wood, A. (1995). Methods on Criminology inquiry, Journal of the American Institute of Criminal Law and Criminology, 23(2), 78-86.

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114 Crime Investigation Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Crime investigation is a fascinating field that involves the study of criminal behavior, evidence collection, forensic analysis, and the pursuit of justice. If you are studying criminal justice or simply have an interest in the subject, writing an essay on crime investigation can be both enlightening and informative. To help you get started, here are 114 crime investigation essay topic ideas and examples to inspire your writing.

The role of forensic evidence in solving crimes.
The impact of DNA analysis on criminal investigations.
The evolution of crime scene investigation techniques.
The use of technology in modern crime investigation.
The challenges faced by crime investigators in cold cases.
The role of the profiler in criminal investigations.
The importance of eyewitness testimony in solving crimes.
The impact of social media on crime investigation.
The ethics of undercover investigations.
The psychology of serial killers and their investigation.
The use of lie detectors in criminal investigations.
The challenges of investigating cybercrime.
The role of forensic anthropology in crime investigation.
The use of surveillance in criminal investigations.
The investigation techniques used in white-collar crime cases.
The challenges of investigating organized crime.
The role of forensic entomology in determining time of death.
The use of geographic profiling in serial murder investigations.
The impact of forensic botany in criminal investigations.
The investigation techniques used in arson cases.
The role of forensic odontology in identifying human remains.
The challenges of investigating hate crimes.
The use of forensic accounting in fraud investigations.
The role of forensic linguistics in solving crimes.
The impact of forensic psychology in criminal investigations.
The investigation techniques used in drug trafficking cases.
The challenges of investigating cold cases without physical evidence.
The use of forensic toxicology in determining cause of death.
The role of crime scene reconstruction in criminal investigations.
The impact of ballistics analysis on solving firearm-related crimes.
The investigation techniques used in child abduction cases.
The challenges of investigating crimes committed by juveniles.
The use of forensic anthropology in mass disaster investigations.
The role of forensic entomology in determining postmortem interval.
The impact of forensic botany in environmental crime investigations.
The investigation techniques used in human trafficking cases.
The challenges of investigating crimes committed by the mentally ill.
The use of forensic accounting in money laundering investigations.
The role of forensic linguistics in identifying anonymous threats.
The impact of forensic psychology in profiling sex offenders.
The investigation techniques used in art forgery cases.
The challenges of investigating crimes committed by terrorists.
The use of forensic toxicology in determining impairment in DUI cases.
The role of crime scene reconstruction in domestic violence investigations.
The impact of ballistics analysis on solving gang-related crimes.
The investigation techniques used in missing persons cases.
The challenges of investigating crimes committed by corrupt officials.
The use of forensic anthropology in identifying victims of genocide.
The role of forensic entomology in determining location of death.
The impact of forensic botany in wildlife crime investigations.
The investigation techniques used in elder abuse cases.
The challenges of investigating crimes committed by cults.
The use of forensic accounting in corporate fraud investigations.
The role of forensic linguistics in identifying plagiarism.
The impact of forensic psychology in investigating mass shootings.
The investigation techniques used in art theft cases.
The challenges of investigating crimes committed by hate groups.
The use of forensic toxicology in determining substance abuse history.
The role of crime scene reconstruction in stalking investigations.
The impact of ballistics analysis on solving drive-by shootings.
The investigation techniques used in human rights abuse cases.
The challenges of investigating crimes committed by drug cartels.
The use of forensic anthropology in identifying victims of natural disasters.
The role of forensic entomology in determining insect-related deaths.
The impact of forensic botany in agricultural crime investigations.
The investigation techniques used in fraud against the elderly cases.
The challenges of investigating crimes committed by cult leaders.
The use of forensic accounting in Ponzi scheme investigations.
The role of forensic linguistics in analyzing ransom notes.
The impact of forensic psychology in investigating child abuse cases.
The investigation techniques used in historic artifact smuggling cases.
The challenges of investigating crimes committed by human traffickers.
The use of forensic toxicology in determining drug-facilitated crimes.
The role of crime scene reconstruction in workplace violence investigations.
The investigation techniques used in war crimes cases.
The challenges of investigating crimes committed by cybercriminals.
The use of forensic anthropology in identifying victims of plane crashes.
The role of forensic entomology in determining insect infestation in food.
The impact of forensic botany in illegal logging investigations.
The investigation techniques used in online scams and frauds.
The challenges of investigating crimes committed by human rights violators.
The use of forensic accounting in uncovering money laundering networks.
The role of forensic linguistics in analyzing hate speech.
The impact of forensic psychology in investigating child abduction cases.
The investigation techniques used in art smuggling cases.
The challenges of investigating crimes committed by human smugglers.
The use of forensic toxicology in determining poisoning cases.
The role of crime scene reconstruction in domestic terrorism investigations.
The impact of ballistics analysis on solving gang-related drive-by shootings.
The investigation techniques used in war crimes against civilians cases.
The challenges of investigating crimes committed by identity thieves.
The role of forensic entomology in determining insect-related diseases.
The impact of forensic botany in environmental pollution investigations.
The investigation techniques used in online child exploitation cases.
The challenges of investigating crimes committed by international terrorists.
The use of forensic accounting in uncovering corruption schemes.
The role of forensic linguistics in analyzing online harassment.
The impact of forensic psychology in investigating domestic violence cases.
The use of forensic toxicology in determining drug overdoses.
The role of crime scene reconstruction in mass shooting investigations.
The impact of ballistics analysis on solving gang-related homicides.
The investigation techniques used in war crimes against prisoners cases.
The challenges of investigating crimes committed by online hackers.
The use of forensic anthropology in identifying victims of mass disasters.
The role of forensic entomology in determining insect-related allergies.
The impact of forensic botany in food contamination investigations.
The investigation techniques used in online financial fraud cases.
The challenges of investigating crimes committed by international drug cartels.
The use of forensic accounting in uncovering corporate embezzlement.
The role of forensic linguistics in analyzing online radicalization.

These essay topic ideas and examples cover a wide range of crime investigation areas, from traditional forensic techniques to modern technological advancements. Choose a topic that interests you the most, conduct thorough research, and present a well-structured and informative essay that showcases your knowledge and understanding of crime investigation. Remember to cite your sources properly and enjoy the process of exploring this intriguing field of study.

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