Test Bank For Criminal Investigation 8th Edition By James W.
Osterburg; Richard H. Ward; Larry S. Miller 9781138903272
Chapter 1-20 Complete Guide
What is criminal investigation? - ANSWER: is the process of discovering, collecting, preparing,
identifying and presenting evidence to determine what happened and who is responsible.
What are the major goals of criminal investigation? - ANSWER: Determine whether a crime has been
committed. Legally obtain information and evidence to identify the responsible person. Arrest the
suspect. Recover stolen property. Present the best possible case to the prosecutor.
What basic functions do investigators perform? - ANSWER: Provide emergency assistance. Secure the
crime scene. Photograph, videotape and sketch. Take notes and write reports. Search for, obtain and
process physical evidence. Obtain information from witnesses and suspects. Identify suspects.
Conduct raids, surveillance, stakeouts and undercover assignments. Testify in court.
What do effective investigators do? - ANSWER: Obtain and retain information; apply technical
knowledge; and remain open-minded, objective and logical.
What characteristics are important in investigators? - ANSWER: They are emotionally well balanced,
detached, inquisitive, suspecting, discerning, self-disciplined and persevering. They are physically fit
and have good vision and hearing.
Who usually arrives at a crime scene first? - ANSWER: Patrol officer assigned to the area where a
crime has occurred.
What should be done initially? - ANSWER: Handle emergencies first. Secure the scene. Investigate.
What do you do if a suspect is still at a crime scene? Has recently fled the scene? - ANSWER: Any
suspect should be detained, questioned and then released or arrested, depending on circumstances.
If a suspect has recently left the scene, officers obtain descriptions of the suspect, any vehicle,
direction of travel and any items taken. The information is dispatched to headquarters immediately.
How are the crime scene and evidence protected and for how long? - ANSWER: All necessary
measures to secure the crime scene must be taken--including locking, roping, barricading and
guarding--until the preliminary investigation is completed.
What responsibilities are included in the preliminary investigation? - ANSWER: Questioning the
victims, witnesses and suspects. Conducting a neighborhood canvass. Measuring, photographing,
videotaping and sketching the scene. Searching for evidence. Identifying, collecting, examining and
processing physical evidence. Recording all statements and observations in notes.
What is the meaning and importance of res gestae statements? - ANSWER: Spontaneous statements
made at the time of a crime concerning and closely related to actions involved in the crime. They are
often considered more truthful than later, planned responses.
How do you determine whether a crime has been committed? - ANSWER: Know the elements of each
major offense and the evidence that supports them and ascertaining whether they are present.
Officers also try to determine when the event occurred.
Who is responsible for solving crimes? - ANSWER: Police personnel. It must be a cooperative,
coordinated departmental effort.
Osterburg; Richard H. Ward; Larry S. Miller 9781138903272
Chapter 1-20 Complete Guide
What is criminal investigation? - ANSWER: is the process of discovering, collecting, preparing,
identifying and presenting evidence to determine what happened and who is responsible.
What are the major goals of criminal investigation? - ANSWER: Determine whether a crime has been
committed. Legally obtain information and evidence to identify the responsible person. Arrest the
suspect. Recover stolen property. Present the best possible case to the prosecutor.
What basic functions do investigators perform? - ANSWER: Provide emergency assistance. Secure the
crime scene. Photograph, videotape and sketch. Take notes and write reports. Search for, obtain and
process physical evidence. Obtain information from witnesses and suspects. Identify suspects.
Conduct raids, surveillance, stakeouts and undercover assignments. Testify in court.
What do effective investigators do? - ANSWER: Obtain and retain information; apply technical
knowledge; and remain open-minded, objective and logical.
What characteristics are important in investigators? - ANSWER: They are emotionally well balanced,
detached, inquisitive, suspecting, discerning, self-disciplined and persevering. They are physically fit
and have good vision and hearing.
Who usually arrives at a crime scene first? - ANSWER: Patrol officer assigned to the area where a
crime has occurred.
What should be done initially? - ANSWER: Handle emergencies first. Secure the scene. Investigate.
What do you do if a suspect is still at a crime scene? Has recently fled the scene? - ANSWER: Any
suspect should be detained, questioned and then released or arrested, depending on circumstances.
If a suspect has recently left the scene, officers obtain descriptions of the suspect, any vehicle,
direction of travel and any items taken. The information is dispatched to headquarters immediately.
How are the crime scene and evidence protected and for how long? - ANSWER: All necessary
measures to secure the crime scene must be taken--including locking, roping, barricading and
guarding--until the preliminary investigation is completed.
What responsibilities are included in the preliminary investigation? - ANSWER: Questioning the
victims, witnesses and suspects. Conducting a neighborhood canvass. Measuring, photographing,
videotaping and sketching the scene. Searching for evidence. Identifying, collecting, examining and
processing physical evidence. Recording all statements and observations in notes.
What is the meaning and importance of res gestae statements? - ANSWER: Spontaneous statements
made at the time of a crime concerning and closely related to actions involved in the crime. They are
often considered more truthful than later, planned responses.
How do you determine whether a crime has been committed? - ANSWER: Know the elements of each
major offense and the evidence that supports them and ascertaining whether they are present.
Officers also try to determine when the event occurred.
Who is responsible for solving crimes? - ANSWER: Police personnel. It must be a cooperative,
coordinated departmental effort.
