NCJ Number
107092
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 27 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1987) Pages: 229-251
Date Published
1987
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews the growing body of research evidence on the factors associated with police investigative performance in England and Wales during the last 20 years.
Abstract
Results indicate that, in general, initial contacts and followup of less serious offenses are conducted by uniformed officers, while detectives investigate more serious crimes. For uniformed officers, about 15 percent of their time is spent investigating crime, while detectives spend 40 to 50 percent on investigative duties. Variations have been found in recording practices used by various forces that contribute to both reported offenses and clearance rates. Crime detections were most frequently achieved by offender admissions during interrogation and through information provided by the public. The only other significant means of detection (accounting for about 10 percent each) were when an offender was caught directly by the police or by a nonpolice agent. While physical evidence often proves useful in cases, it generally is not the major means of crime detection. Factors found to be associated with clearance rate variations among forces include the crime mix, police presence, and police workload. Finally, studies of victims' attitudes toward police response indicate greatest satisfaction with officers exhibiting a reassuring attitude, performing routine procedures conspicuously, and providing information. 59 references.