Mastering Investigative Techniques

Introduction

A police investigation is critical to today's curbing and prevention of crime. especially in the area of criminology dissertation help. An investigation is applied in the criminal realm and helps determine if a crime has been committed (Wilkinson, 2021a). Besides, it is critical to identify the offender and to apprehend the perpetrator. Lastly, police provide evidence to support a conviction in court, thus the need for clear evidence. Therefore, police have to know to preserve life, preserve scenes, secure evidence, and identify victims. This model has been critical to enhancing my skills and knowledge. Therefore, this essay reflects the progress I have made during the ongoing police investigation training as a course module. Besides, I intend to cover critical knowledge addressed by the module, its link to my passion, and identify areas where I need to develop from the knowledge acquired from the module. Finally, I will address how I will improve my personal and professional development to be an effective investigator.

A criminal investigation has always been my passion since a long time ago. I am aware that evidence is proof that a particular individual committed a crime. Also, I am aware that one has to create evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that an individual committed a crime. After learning Problem-solving. Therefore, from learning the course module, I have realized that a criminal investigator is responsible for carrying out the duties imposed on them under this code, including recording information and retaining records and material (Wilkinson, 2021a). Therefore, my critical thinking, communication skills, and attention to detail have been significantly advanced from learning the course module. I have learned that to be a vital investigator; one has to know the nature and types of crimes. The module has effectively explained that some of the modern and most common crimes include theft, burglary, robbery, and fraud. However, every individual crime takes various nature thus needs an individual to be keen while investigating them. At the same time, I learned to classify crimes under the context of serious crime as described in the Serious Crime Act 2007. Based on this legislation, I learned that crimes such as cybercrime, gang injunctions, child cruelty, child sexual offenses, and female genital mutilation were not just like other crimes like theft (Wilkinson, 2021c). They were classified under serious crime and often required many details and compelling evidence. From this lesson, I believe that my role as an investigator is greatly informed. At the same time, I learned of a new category of crime identified as Volume crime which includes street robbery, burglary, and vehicle-related criminality. I have learned that these crimes require great attention to protect the community.

At the same time, I have been thrilled by the type of evidence that an individual is supposed to collect and the ways to collect quality evidence. As an investigator, I have learned that I have to look for all relevant information and place all admissible evidence before the prosecutor, irrespective of which side it supports. This knowledge has dramatically improved my Professionalism since I am aware that evidence can impact the whole course of a criminal case, and its influence can extend well beyond the initial resolution through the appeals process. Therefore, I have learned to be detailed in all my reports, and this makes me confident that I will be among the best investigator (Wilkinson, 2021d). Based on the module, the first and critical evidence that the investigator can collect is primary evidence which includes eyewitnesses, witness statements, original exhibition, and original documents. The course material also enlightened me on alternatives to primary sources. For instance, secondary sources such as photocopy and other secondary sources make critical evidence and can be used for prosecution. Therefore, I feel that this module is satisfying and conclusive. Moreover, I learned a new kind of evidence: circumstance evidence that refers to the evidence surrounding the offense from which a fact may be inferred. This unique learning makes me confident that I am significantly developing my knowledge. Besides, in week four, the module highlights a case "R v Donovan (1930) 21 Cr App R.20" and suggests that "circumstantial evidence is very often the best. Therefore, I have diversified the kind of evidence I can collect from a crime scene. At the same time, I was amazed that there is evidence which an investigator needs to make an application to the court for it to be admissible- bad character evidence(Wilkinson, 2021d).. Moreover, concerning primary evidence, which I propose is one of the best pieces of evidence, I have learned that an 'Intermediaries can help witnesses,' and also someone can support them in explaining what a word means, thus meaning being of a different background or illiterate cannot interfere with primary evidence. From learning this module, I feel that I have become the investigator I always dreamt of becoming. I am being thrilled by new knowledge and professional development.

Furthermore, I have learned that using technology can be very helpful in collecting quality evidence. Therefore, I have discovered that evidence can be collected using directed and intrusive surveillance from the course module. Directed surveillance includes monitoring of targets' movements and conversations. On the other hand, intrusive surveillance includes monitoring targets using an eavesdropping device like private vehicles. Also, I have realized that individuals can use Body Worn Video (BWV) cameras to monitor and collect information on suspects. Besides, I have come to light why investigators often collect phones and computers from suspect premises. Since a long time ago, collecting individual assents was a bit confusing; however, I realized that computers and other personal items contain significant evidence that can be admitted in a court of law. Therefore, I feel that the module is significantly advancing my knowledge. More importantly, I have learned the significance of preserving CCTV footage, fingerprints, and DNA (Wilkinson, 2021c). This knowledge makes me feel that I am learning the best course ever.

While examining chapter five, I have realized that communication is one of the most critical skills that I need to advance. This skill is vital, especially in conveying information with authority and listening carefully to the interviewer or suspect. Therefore, I have realized the significance of being positive, excellent listener, excellent communicator, critical thinker, and honest. I have learned that communication is crucial from the module, especially in consultation with the community concerning complex matters (Wilkinson, 2021e). Similarly, communication is critical in consultation and briefing with the law enforcement departments. For instance, the module has highlighted that communication is essential to a briefing of intelligence, individual and team tasking, delivery methods, debriefing, and communication of investigation results. Therefore, from this module, I have set a goal to improve my communication skills before completing the course greatly. Likewise, investigators are responsible for conducting inquiries into any alleged crime and deciding how to deploy their resources. However, from reading the course module, I have been enlightened by the many specialists who exist within the investigative department. Other than the ordinary crime committed in streets, other crimes such as computer-based crimes thus need cybersecurity specialists, biotechnologists who investigate DNA, financial investigators who have specialized in financial crimes, and, above all, senior investigators (Wilkinson, 2021e). Therefore, I have learned the significance of communication skills and collaboration skills in the investigation profession. Consequently, I have learned the importance of talking to people, observation skills, attention to detail, and courtroom testimony skills achieved via excellent teamwork skills.

Moreover, I have discovered another critical role of the investigation team, which includes policing the roads. Over the years, I have severally been stopped by police while driving, and I have never minded knowing what they need to see nor their concern (Appleby, 2021). However, from learning this Course, I have been equipped with critical knowledge, which will enable me to be the best investigator. For instance, I have realized that, in commercial driving, it is essential to examine driver hours and documents and the ability of the vehicle to follow other rules and regulations. Moreover, I have learned that to protect the community and reduce accidents and crimes on the roads, it is critical to examine steering gear, tires, and brakes. Besides, while policing the roads, I have known that I should investigate dangerous condition offenses as stated in section 40A of RTA 1988. In this case, the individual policing checks the motor vehicle or trailer condition, the vehicle's purpose, and the number of passengers carried by the vehicle. Other consideration includes lights, roadside testing, mobile phones and filming while driving. Therefore, from my participation in this module, my observational skills have been improved, and my knowledge of good policing has been developed (Appleby, 2021). Similarly, most of my questions, especially why police have road checks, have been answered. Furthermore, I have realized that law enforcement personnel are equipped with powers that enable them to stop any vehicle at any time, enter any premise and arrest the offender, search vehicles and premises. From the authority of the police, I have linked it to the collection of evidence and ways to collect evidence, thus giving me a comprehensive picture of the role of an investigative officer.

Other than investigation, the module has also increased my knowledge of various crimes. For instance, SOA 2003 legislation was introduced, thus making a 'new provision about sexual offenses and their prevention. Also, the legislation is critical in reporting, prosecution, and referral. Moreover, other guidelines which expanded my knowledge in the sexual crime offense include Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs), Sexual Risk Orders (SROs), and the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS) (Appleby, 2021a). From the knowledge of this crime/offense, I have realized the significance of understanding sexual misconduct and how the community can be protected from offenders. Also, based on the SOA 2003, the individual prosecutor must have reasonable evidence that the crime happened. This knowledge in chapter eight has made me reflect on the knowledge acquired in chapter four on the quality of evidence provided. Therefore, I have realized that the module interlink to provide the best experience. For instance, in R v Bree [2007] EWCA Crim 256, the Court of Appeal quashed the conviction and decided that the accused who was accused of rape was not guilty (Appleby, 2021a). The jury was not sufficiently directed on how to determine if she had consented. Therefore, it is evident that proper knowledge of legislation and the nature of the case is very critical while collecting evidence. Also, the sufficiency of the evidence is vital. The course is crucial since it has promoted my knowledge in crimes like rape based on the Sexual Offences Act 2003. As per legislation, rape is defined as intentionally penetrates the vagina, anus, or mouth of another person with his penis or any other body part. At the same time, I have known to estimate reasonable evidence and consent and determining the circumstance of rape. Therefore, the module is critical in enhancing my knowledge of both law and offenses and the best way to provide evidence.

Another individual offense that I have learned of is harassment and stalking offenses. From this module, I have learned that staking is an offense that is often conducted via telephone, in-person, and other digital platforms. On the other hand, harassment occurs when individual gest threats and other forms of threat. These crimes are related in that stalking amounts to harassment of that person. Therefore, this course is critical in enhancing my skills and knowledge.

Conclusion

From this module, I have gained useful knowledge, especially in understanding crime, current legislation, including examining who commits crimes, why they commit the crime, and more importantly, prosecuting them for the victim to get justice. Besides, I have gained knowledge in various offenses and linked them to surveillance and collecting evidence, which is critical to my professional development. More importantly, this module has empowered me and advanced my ability to talk to people, has improved my observation skills, reporting and writing skills, and attention to detail. Moreover, I have increased my courtroom testimony skills and positive attitude, and tenacity. Therefore this course is critical to my profession.

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References

Appleby, 2021. Policing the Roads: Construction and Use Offences, and Commercial Vehicles. University of East London

Appleby, 2021a. Introduction to Sex Offences: Conviction and Attrition Rates, and Consent

Wilkinson, N., 2021a. Introduction To A New Lecturer. University of East London

Wilkinson, N., 2021b. Digital Technology to Capture Best Evidence. University of East London

Wilkinson, N., 2021c. Types of Crime. University of East London

Wilkinson, N., 2021d. Types of Evidence. University of East London

Wilkinson, N., 2021e. Communication. University of East London.