Criminal Investigation Procedures

Aim and purpose

In order for a criminal prosecution to be successful, the Crown must provide secure and reliable evidence.

This unit introduces learners to the methods, tools and legislation involved in criminal investigations.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit a learner should:

1 Know the principles of basic criminal investigations

2 Know the aids and tools available to the criminal investigator

3 Understand the legal framework for criminal investigation and relationship with the Criminal Justice System

4 Understand the relationship between crime prevention methods and criminal investigations.

Assessment

In order to pass this unit, the evidence that the learner presents for assessment needs to demonstrate that they can meet all the learning outcomes for the unit. The assessment criteria for a pass grade describe the level of achievement required to pass this unit.

P1 describe the stages of the investigative process from the crime scene to the court

P2 identify the roles and responsibilities of the investigation team

P3 describe the technical aids and tools available to the criminal investigator

P4 outline surveillance techniques used by criminal investigators

P5 describe the legal framework for criminal investigations

P6 explain the role of Criminal Justice System agencies in criminal investigation

P7 explain how methods of crime prevention can contribute to criminal investigations.

M1 explain the different stages of the investigative process from the crime scene to the court

M2 explain the roles and responsibilities of the investigation team

M3 consider how these technical aids and tools can be used in different types of criminal investigation

M4 describe how surveillance techniques might be chosen for different types of criminal investigation

M5 outline the safeguards within the legal framework designed to protect people under criminal investigation

M6 explain the role of the Crown Prosecution Service in criminal investigations

M7 assess the range of evidence which crime prevention methods could contribute to criminal investigations.

D1 relate the different stages to a successful outcome of the investigation with particular consideration of ethics

D2 relate the roles and responsibilities of the investigation team to different types of investigation

D3 explain why the technical aids and tools selected would be chosen for different types of criminal investigation

D4 explain why specific surveillance techniques might be selected for different types of criminal investigation

D5 evaluate the safeguards within the legal framework

D6 assess the effectiveness of Criminal Justice System agencies in different types of criminal investigation

D7 evaluate the range of evidence which crime prevention methods contribute to criminal investigations.