What are the key techniques of investigation?
Asked by: Allene Pacocha II | Last update: February 10, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (43 votes)
Key investigation techniques revolve around information gathering, evidence collection & analysis, and interviewing/interrogation, supported by planning, surveillance, and digital forensics, to establish the facts (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) through systematic processes like crime scene management, witness engagement, and specialized forensic science.
What are the techniques of investigation?
Traditional investigative techniques involve methods such as conducting interviews, gathering and analyzing evidence, and assessing reports and complaints to determine if further investigation is warranted.
What are the 7 steps of investigation?
Find out how these steps apply to any investigation.
- Identify Scene Dimensions. Locate the focal point of the scene. ...
- Establish Security. Tape around the perimeter. ...
- Create a Plan & Communicate. ...
- Conduct Primary Survey. ...
- Document and Process Scene. ...
- Conduct Secondary Survey. ...
- Record and Preserve Evidence.
What are the 4 pillars of investigation?
In our workplace investigation training sessions, we often talk about the four pillars of the investigation process: fairness, thoroughness, timeliness, and confidentiality.
What are the 5 elements of investigation?
The document outlines the basic elements of criminal investigation which are recognition, collection, preservation, evaluation, and presentation of evidence. It also discusses the cardinal points of investigation - establishing who, what, when, where, why, and how regarding the crime.
The Key to Becoming a Good Detective
What are the six methods of investigation?
An effective incident investigation involves six main steps, which are described in detail below:
- Secure the Scene. ...
- Plan the Investigation. ...
- Collect All Relevant Information. ...
- Analyze Collected Data to Find the Root Cause. ...
- Implement Corrective Actions. ...
- Document and Share the Results.
What are the three main types of investigations?
Scientists use three types of investigations to research and develop explanations for events in the nature: descriptive investigation, comparative investigation, and experimental investigation.
What are the 4 C's of the criminal justice system?
The Four C's: Cops, Courts, Corrections – and Citizens – Introduction to the U.S. Criminal Justice System.
What are the three principles of investigation?
Confidentiality, informed consent and safety and welfare are essential principles for all investigations. These three are focused on basic and essential protection. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times.
What are the three tools of investigation?
The introductory section outlines the theory of investigation and defines the investigator's three 'tools'--information, interrogation, and instrumentation.
What are the six basic steps in an investigation?
Six steps for successful incident investigation
- STEP 1 – IMMEDIATE ACTION. ...
- STEP 2 – PLAN THE INVESTIGATION. ...
- STEP 3 – DATA COLLECTION. ...
- STEP 4 – DATA ANALYSIS. ...
- STEP 5 – CORRECTIVE ACTIONS. ...
- STEP 6 – REPORTING. ...
- TOOLS TO HELP.
What are the basics of investigation?
A criminal investigation follows a general process. First, a crime is determined to have been committed, then evidence is collected and recorded, victims/witnesses are interviewed, suspects interrogated, and finally an arrest is made, if supported by evidence.
What are the modern techniques used in investigation?
The use of technology involves different types of methods and techniques for the investigation process that are based on the use of sophisticated technology, including high- performance liquid chromatography, DNA tests, mass spectrometry and 3-D computer imaging.
What are the seven basic steps of an investigation?
These are known as the 7 S's of crime scene investigation.
- Secure the Scene.
- Separate the Witnesses.
- Scan the Scene.
- See the Scene.
- Sketch the Scene.
- Search for Evidence.
- Secure and Collect Evidence.
What are the three rules of investigation?
The three rules you should apply to every incident investigation are: Don't Cause More Damage. Don't Destroy Evidence. Don't Make Up Your Mind Before You Start Investigating.
What is the basic investigation process?
This document outlines the six phases of an investigation process: 1) Case Initiating which includes file preparation and identifying stakeholders, 2) Case Analysis involving on-site visits and data collection, 3) Inquiry Design such as developing questions, 4) Execution using tools like fishbone diagrams, 5) Results ...
What are the 3 C's of the criminal justice system?
We will spend time exploring the three main components of the criminal justice system, or an easy way to remember this is the three main C's: cops, courts, and corrections.
What are the core principles of investigation?
The principles of effective investigation are: Objective, fair and impartial: The principles of natural justice and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 require regulators to make fair and just decisions.
What are the 5 W's in criminal justice?
Does it adequately answer the 5 W and one H questions: what, where, when, who, why, and how? These same questions structure Barry Poyner's method of crime analysis by breaking up a larger problem into its constituent parts.
What are the 3 R's of criminal justice?
The Three 'R's of Reentry: Reparative Justice, Relationships, Responsibility. Currently there is a significant amount of attention focused on the large number of offenders who are being released from prison to communities across the country.
What is code 4 in law enforcement?
“Code 4” means everything is under control or the scene is safe. It indicates the officers are now in charge of the situation they were called to.
What are the general investigative techniques?
For countless years, criminal investigators have relied on six basic investigative techniques to solve crimes; i.e., (1) the development of informants, (2) use of undercover agents, (3) laboratory analysis of physical evidence, (4) physical and electronic surveillance, (5) interroga- tion, and (6) where permitted by ...
What are the five steps of investigation?
Five Phase Investigation Process
- Phase I: Preparation and Planning. ...
- Phase II: Information Gathering and Problem Identification. ...
- Phase III: Verification and Analysis. ...
- Phase IV: Disbursement of Disciplinary and Corrective Action. ...
- Phase V: Prevention and Education. ...
- Summary. ...
- Confidentiality. ...
- Attorney/Client Privilege.
What are the four phases of investigation?
The investigative process is a progression of activities or steps moving from evidence gathering tasks, to information analysis, to theory development and validation, to forming reasonable ground to believe, and finally to the arrest and charge of a suspect.