NCJ Number
99822
Date Published
1984
Length
5 pages
Annotation
After reviewing previous research on police investigations, this article summarizes the methodology and findings of a comprehensive analysis of the investigative work of both detectives and patrol officers; implications are drawn for the management of police crime investigations.
Abstract
The research study, entitled 'Solving Crimes: The Investigation of Burglary and Robbery,' used official reports, activity logs, and observations to collect data on 3,360 burglary and 320 robbery investigations in the 3 police departments of Dekalb County, Ga.; St. Petersburg, Fla.; and Wichita, Kan. The data were used to analyze how burglary investigations were conducted, the relative importance of patrol officers' and detectives' acts to investigative results, and how the management of investigations can be improved. The study found that the activities of patrol officers and detectives were equally important in successful investigations and that followup investigations by detectives did contribute to crime clearances (contrary to findings of previous studies). The study suggests ways to improve investigative information collection in both preliminary and followup investigations. Suggestions for improving the management of followup investigations focus on regulating case flow, monitoring investigative activities, and measuring investigative unit productivity. The management of targeted investigations, such as those of targeted investigations, such as those involving repeat offenders, is also discussed.