250 word response 1 reference due 5/13/2023
Briggs
The investigative process is an essential component of the criminal justice system and is the first step in the justice process. The investigative process intends to uncover the facts of a crime, identify suspects, and build a strong case against the suspects (Ogle & Plotkin, 2012). The investigative process aims to uncover whether a crime has been committed, in what manner, and by whom. One of the first steps in the investigation process is to collect and examine the evidence. The facts regarding a crime are determined by examining the crime scene during the investigative process. Examining the scene can be done through observation or questioning the eyewitnesses present when the crime happened.
The investigative process aims to determine the truth of a crime, ensuring that justice is served for the crime in question. It is the only means by which the police, the prosecutors, and the courts can find out what happened and who was responsible for influencing the right and fair verdict. Without a thorough investigation, the criminal justice system could not decide whether a crime was committed and who was responsible. The investigative process is essential as it allows the investigator to collect physical and forensic evidence at the crime scene. Physical evidence discovered during the investigative process provides facts during the court proceedings to determine whether the accused is guilty (Ogle & Plotkin, 2012). The collection of physical evidence includes any material available at the crime scene that can be linked to the investigation and helps the process (INLabOps, 2012). During evidence collection, photographs are taken, videos are recorded, and notes are taken. The investigation process aids in the recovery of stolen items, ensuring they find their way back to the owners.
Through the collection of evidence during the investigative process, forensic examination of the evidence can be done to determine essential details of the crime, such as the perpetrator’s identity, which can be done through fingerprints, DNA analysis, or other forms of forensic investigation. The world of forensic science is made better by the advanced technology that has improved how crimes are investigated and evidence examined (Sara Asmann, 2015). An investigative process aims to determine whether the facts of the case are consistent with the story being told by the witnesses or suspects. Any inconsistency between the physical evidence gathered, and the individual’s statements, will influence the investigator to doubt the story.
The investigative process is of great value to the criminal justice system as it ensures that justice is served by identifying the offenders of the crime. Thorough investigations, collection, and analysis of evidence help solve investigation doubts. Forensic examination ensures that innocent people who would have been implicated in a crime, maybe because they were at the crime scene, are set free (Osterburg& Ward, 2013). This means that culprits do not escape justice and are held accountable for their actions. The primary aim of the investigation process is to ensure that perpetrators are brought to light, and the victims of the crime receive justice.
The examination process is valuable to the justice system as it enables investigators and researchers to determine why some crimes happen. It also ensures that cases are judged according to available evidence to ensure justice is served. Finally, the investigative process is essential as it ensures that the witnesses are thoroughly evaluated to ensure the credibility of the evidence. The investigative process, if conducted thoroughly, will aid in the facts being presented and a fair trial being conducted in a just manner. It is a process that helps to provide evidence to support criminal convictions and helps to ensure that the accused is given a fair trial (Osterburg& Ward, 2013). The value of the investigative process is essential in providing a solid foundation for criminal justice decisions.
250 word response 1 reference due 5/13/2023
Montano
The investigative process is a fundamental component of the criminal justice system. Its purpose is to collect and analyze evidence to identify suspects, determine the nature and extent of a crime, and build a case that can be presented in court (Bureau of Justice Assistance, n.d.). The goal of the investigative process is to bring justice to victims, hold criminals accountable, and protect the community from future harm.
The investigative process begins with the initial report of a crime. Law enforcement officers are dispatched to the scene to secure the area and gather evidence. They may interview witnesses, collect physical evidence, take photographs, and gather any other relevant information. The information collected is then analyzed, and leads are pursued in an effort to identify suspects.
Once a suspect has been identified, investigators work to build a case against them. This may involve further interviews, the collection of additional evidence, and the examination of forensic evidence. The investigation continues until there is sufficient evidence to make an arrest, and the case can be presented to the prosecutor (National Institute of Justice, 2019).
The investigative process is essential to the criminal justice system for several reasons. First, it helps to ensure that the correct person is held accountable for a crime. The investigation process is designed to be thorough, unbiased, and based on evidence. This means that investigators must follow a rigorous process to ensure that they have the correct person before making an arrest (Piquero & Weisburd, 2010).
Second, the investigative process helps to protect the rights of suspects. The criminal justice system is based on the presumption of innocence, and investigators must gather evidence that supports the guilt of the suspect. This means that they cannot use illegal means to gather evidence or use coercion to obtain confessions. The investigative process is designed to ensure that the rights of the suspect are protected, and that the evidence gathered is admissible in court.
Third, the investigative process helps to ensure public safety. By identifying and apprehending criminals, law enforcement officers help to prevent future crimes. The investigation process also helps to identify patterns of criminal activity, which can be used to prevent future crimes from occurring.
Finally, the investigative process helps to maintain public trust in the criminal justice system. When the investigative process is conducted in a fair, unbiased, and transparent manner, it helps to ensure that the public has confidence in the criminal justice system. This is essential for maintaining social order and preventing vigilantism (U.S. Department of Justice, 2017).
In addition to these benefits, the investigative process also has some challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the need to balance the rights of the suspect with the need to gather evidence. Investigators must follow a rigorous process to ensure that they have the correct person, but this can be time-consuming and resource intensive.
Another challenge is the need to stay up to date with advances in technology. As technology continues to advance, investigators must adapt to new methods of gathering and analyzing evidence. This requires ongoing training and education to ensure that investigators have the skills and knowledge needed to stay ahead of criminals.
Despite these challenges, the investigative process remains a critical component of the criminal justice system. It helps to ensure that justice is served, that suspects are treated fairly, and that the community is protected. By gathering and analyzing evidence, investigators help to prevent future crimes and maintain public trust in the criminal justice system.
