NCJ Number
208828
Date Published
2005
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This chapter reviews research regarding the pattern of police investigative work and its effectiveness in solving crimes.
Abstract
Studies have shown that although serious crimes are invariably investigated by police detectives, many reported felonies receive no more than superficial attention from investigators; most minor crimes are not investigated. Time spent on investigative casework mostly involves reviewing reports, documenting files, and attempting to locate and interview victims. For cases that are cleared (suspect has been identified), an investigator's average time spent in post-clearance work on the case is longer than the time spent in identifying the perpetrator. The casework of most police agencies produces more physical evidence than can be productively processed by forensic analysts. Thus, allocating more resources to processing capabilities is more likely to increase clearances than increased investigative actions. The flaw in most investigative work that causes prosecutions to fail is the failure of detectives to document the key evidence presented. Investigative strike forces are most likely to be effective when they concentrate on performing activities for which they are uniquely qualified; in practice, however, they are often diverted to other activities. 5 notes and 12 references