What are the three tools of investigation?

Asked by: Nettie Mraz  |  Last update: November 8, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (55 votes)

The introductory section outlines the theory of investigation and defines the investigator's three 'tools'--information, interrogation, and instrumentation. The role of the investigator's notebook and the importance of report writing are also described.

What are the three tools in criminal investigation?

The 3 tools or I's of criminal investigation are Information, Interview/Interrogation, and Instrumentation.

What are the three elements of investigation?

A criminal investigation is a question and collection of items or knowledge, that then helps you reach a conclusion and find the answer you were looking for. A criminal investigation has three elements: the process, crime related information, and goals (Brandl, 2014).

What are the three main methods of investigations?

Three Types of Investigations
  • Descriptive Investigations.
  • Comparative Investigations.
  • Experimental Investigations.

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. Anonymity allows the complaints process to function.

TOOLS OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

24 related questions found

What are the 3 levels of investigation?

This endorses three levels of investigation (for which templates and guidance are provided); 1) concise investigations -suited to less complex incidents which can be managed by individuals or a small group of individuals at a local level 2) comprehensive investigations - suited to complex issues which should be managed ...

What are the three rules of investigation?

The Three Principles of Crime Scene Investigation
  • Principle 1: Locard's Exchange Principle (1928)
  • Principle 2: Sequential Examination.
  • Principle 3: Continuity and Disclosure Material.

What are the 3 types of investigations?

Descriptive investigations are used to draw a conclusion or inference. Comparative investigations are used to determine relationships. Experimental investigations are used to determine cause and effect.

What are the three stages of investigation?

In the investigative process, there are three possible stages of time where evidence can originate. These are the pre-crime stage, the criminal event stage, and the post-crime stage.

What are the three ways investigators use evidence?

Physical evidence is useful (1) to determine how a crime was committed, (2) to connect a suspect with the crime or identify the criminal, or (3) to clear an innocent person.

What is 3 I's of investigation?

Document Information

The document discusses three tools of investigation: information, interview and interrogation, and instrumentation.

What are the 3 guiding principles investigators rely on?

Guiding Principle: The investigator should be impartial, ob- jective, and possess the necessary skills and time to conduct the investigation. Key factors to consider: a. Whenever possible, the investigator should be someone who is, in fact, impartial and who is perceived by the partici- pants to be impartial.

What is the main object of investigation?

“An investigation is, in the first instance, fact-finding. Investigations determine, fully and credibly, what happened with respect to a particular incident – whether suspected conduct did or did not take place; what the circumstances were; who was involved; whether a violation of law or company policy occurred.

What are investigative tools used for?

Investigative tools are things a person will use to legally access and/or obtain information and/or evidence to assist in investigation.

What are the 3 primary methods of measuring the extent of crime?

The major data sources that we have can be grouped into three categories: official statistics, victimization survey data, and self-reported data. Official statistics are those derived from the routine functioning of the criminal justice system.

What is Step 3 of crime scene investigation?

3. Scan the Scene. This step gives investigators an overall picture of the scene. They will identify the primary crime scene, or where the crime took place.

What are the three modes of investigation?

Three Modes of Investigation
  • Empirical Investigation.
  • Value Investigation.
  • Technical Investigation.

What are the three objectives of investigation?

Generally, the goals of criminal investigation are the following: 1. To determine whether a crime has been committed; 2. To legally obtain information or evidence; 3. To identify persons involved in the crime; 4.

What is the basic step of investigation?

The process of investigation in criminal investigation involves various steps, such as gathering information, conducting interviews, examining crime scenes, and identifying suspects and victims.

What are the three phases of investigation?

Phase I aims to identify the suspect/s through (1) confession; (2) eyewitness testimony, (3) circumstantial evidence; and (4) associate evidence. Phase II is the stage to locate and apprehend suspect/s. Phase III is the time of gathering and providing evidence to establish the guilt of the accused.

What are methods 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 three types of evidence that are most important to criminal investigations?

In the realm of criminal investigations, the triad comprising physical, forensic, and digital evidence constitutes the foundational elements.

What is the golden rule of investigation?

The Golden Rule in Criminal Investigation

When it comes to crime scenes, the golden rule is “Do not touch, alter, move, or transfer any object at the crime scene unless it is properly marked, measured, sketched and/or photographed.” This rule is to be followed every day, in every scene.

Does every contact leave a trace?

Principles of Trace Evidence

Edmond Locard, a forensic science pioneer in France, formulated the theory which states, “Every contact leaves a trace”. This became known as Locard's exchange principle and is the basis for all forensic science as we know it today.

What are the 5 basic principles of investigation?

The investigative mindset can be broken down into five principles:
  • Understanding the source of the material​
  • Planning and preparation​
  • Examination​
  • Recording and collation.
  • Evaluation.