NCJ Number
122540
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 37 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1989) Pages: 85-92
Date Published
1989
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Practical and specific considerations are provided for formulating management objectives in the investigation of homicides.
Abstract
Two basic principles of any homicide investigation are documentation and preservation. To insure that these principles are accomplished, there must be an established management policy that gives direction to the investigative unit. Various methods and techniques can be employed to properly document and preserve events at the scene. There is a need for efficient coordination of activities and procedures critical to the processing of the case, such as collection of evidence, case-officer responsibility, and allocation of equipment. Practical Homicide Investigation Supervision Techniques include supervising the preliminary investigation at the scene, directing specific investigative duties, supervising the homicide crime scene search, providing for the effective documentation of events, and conducting an investigative critique. The supervision and management function requires the supervisor to actively participate in the investigation, which means sharing an interest in the investigation, intelligently directing activities, and utilizing the investigative critiques to properly establish priorities.