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Criminal Investigation:
A Method for Reconstructing the Past, 7th Edition
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Chapter 14
RECONSTRUCTING THE PAST
Methods, Evidence, Examples
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METHODS OF INQUIRY
- The Scientific Method (A way of observing, thinking
about, solving problems objectively and systematically.)
- Definitions:
• Induction
• Deduction
• Classification
• Synthesis
•Analysis
•Hypothesis
•Theory
•A priori
•A posteriori
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Definitions
• Induction: The process of reasoning beginning
with specific information to form a general
conclusion
• Deduction: The process of reasoning that
begins with a generalization and moves to a
particular or specific conclusion (fact)
• Classification: The systematic arrangement of
objects into categories that have one or more
traits in common
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Definitions
• Synthesis: The combining of separate parts or
elements that lead toward a conclusion
• Analysis: Examines all information available in
an effort to separate the data into relevant
parts for further study
• Hypothesis: Forms the basis for an
examination of information to form an
assertion or tentative guess
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Definitions
• Theory: A scheme of thought with assumptions
chosen to fit empirical knowledge or
observations. (Relationship between phenomena.)
• A priori (“from the previous cause”): Deductive
or theoretical reasoning based on cause and
effect, where a conclusion is based on self
evident principles
• A posteriori: Inductive reasoning based on
empirical facts acquired through experience or
experimentation to form general principles
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Problem Identification
• Two problem situations within the criminal justice
system:
– When a crime occurs on the borderline of two jurisdictions
• Has to be determined between investigators
• Publicity
• Chance of making a “good arrest”
– When it is difficult to determine what crime was
committed
• Elements of major crime are considered
• Seek legal counsel (i.e. District Attorney)
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Scientific Reasoning Applied to a
Criminal Investigation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
State the problem
Form the Hypothesis
Collect Data
Interpret the Data (Restate problem?)
Collect Additional Data (if hypothesis
supported)
6. Draw Conclusions
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•
•
•
•
Reconstructing the Past:
Sources of Information
People
Physical Evidence
Records
Innovative Applications
– Garbageology – Discarded material can be revealing
when analyzing present-day consumption (consumer
trends).
– Data Mining – Using computers to explore and retrieve
stored information from private companies. (Relational
databases, algorithms, artificial intelligence.) Formulate
probability estimates and test theories.
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8
Further Commentary
on the Investigative Process
• Luck or Creativity? (We create our own luck –
preparation and identifying opportunity.)
• Investigative Mind-Set (Not a set-mind)
Interrogation/interview, surveillance.
• The Development of Mind-Set (Open Minded)
Perseverance / Ability to “think outside the box”
• Evidence and Proof (Chapter 16)
• We Profile Behavior
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Investigation … Art or Science??
• View as a continuum
– Separation point for criminal investigation is
moving by degrees toward science
• Field is becoming a focus of academic study
and research
– Impact of forensic science is felt more and more
– Physics / Chemistry
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10
Investigation vs. Intelligence
• Investigation explores the past, what has
already happened based on information.
• Intelligence explores what may happen based
on information.
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