Patterns in a Labyrinth - The Problem in Crime Detection (From Crime Investigation - Art or Science?, P 5-13, 1984, Alistair R Brownlie, ed. See NCJ-100923)

• NCJ Number: 100924
• Author(s): K G Oxford
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 9 pages
• Sale Source: Columbia University Press
• Publication Type: Conference Material
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This paper identifies problems that impede criminal investigations in England and proposes ways to improve the effectiveness of such investigations.

Abstract

The volume of criminal offenses makes it impossible to devote adequate police time to all offenses. This requires the application of resources to the more serious offenses and increased assistance in the form of improved technology, citizen support, increased manpower, and more help from forensic scientists. Widespread criminal networks and mobile criminals have also placed new demands on police investigations. Such crime patterns require interagency cooperation and an effective information system that records, collates, and dispenses information among various police jurisdictions. This requires the uniform computerization of police records. The involvement of forensic scientists in police investigations could be enhanced by attaching them to police forces for short periods so they may familiarize themselves with police operations at crime scenes. Police training must adapt itself to the investigative requirements of contemporary crime patterns.