Duties of criminal investigators and other forms of identifying and gathering of information from

the subjects:
Follow-up investigations
The follow-up investigation consists of additional investigative activities performed on a case,
and these activities are usually performed by a detective or investigator of the case. The process
of deciding which cases should receive additional investigative effort is referred to as case
screening. This decision is most often made by the senior investigative and is most often guided
by consideration of the seriousness of the crime (e.g., the amount of property loss or injury to the
victim) and solvability factors (key pieces of crime-related information that, if present, enhance
the probability of an arrest being made) (Brandl; Brandl and Frank).
The follow-up investigation is an extension of the preliminary investigation. The purpose of the
follow-up is to facilitate a successful case closure. A successful case closure is characterized by
the identification of additional victims/witnesses, recovery of stolen property, and/or the
identification and arrest of the perpetrator.
Basic activities of the follow-up investigation include the following (although the below list is
not exhaustive):
1. Review information/evidence previously obtained and arrange for the analysis of evidence.
2. Ensure that the victim(s) and/or complainant(s) is/are recontacted to ascertain any new or
additional information.
3. Interview victims and witnesses.
4. Keep a record of all information/evidence obtained during the investigation.
5. Seek additional information from other sources (uniform officers, informants, determine if the
suspect has a criminal history, etc.).
6. Compile and execute search warrants, search warrant inventories, and search warrant returns.
7. Identify and arrest the offender.
8. Conduct interrogations in a manner that is lawful and consistent with department policy.
9. Maintain a comprehensive case file. Prepare the case for court and assist in the prosecution.

Intelligence gathering
Any officer who makes an arrest and believes that criminal intelligence can be gained by
interrogating the defendant s and the officer must ensure that the appropriate investigative
section is notified for timely consultation with the arresting officer.
                                                                                                                                                                       
(Image: www.afio.com)
 
There are five main ways of collecting intelligence that are often referred to as "intelligence
collection disciplines" or the "INTs."

1. Human Intelligence (HUMINT) is the collection of information from human sources. The

collection may be done openly, as when FBI agents interview witnesses or suspects, or it may be
done through clandestine or covert means (espionage). Within the United States, HUMINT
collection is the FBI’s responsibility. Beyond U.S. borders, HUMINT is generally collected by
the CIA, but also by other U.S. components abroad. Although HUMINT is an important
collection discipline for the FBI, we also collect intelligence through other methods, including
SIGINT, MASINT, and OSINT.
2. Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) refers to electronic transmissions that can be collected by ships,
planes, ground sites, or satellites. Communications Intelligence (COMINT) is a type of SIGINT
and refers to the interception of communications between two parties. U.S. SIGINT satellites are
designed and built by the National Reconnaissance Office, although conducting U.S. signals
intelligence activities is primarily the responsibility of the National Security Agency (NSA).
3. Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) is sometimes also referred to as photo intelligence (PHOTINT).
One of the earliest forms of IMINT took place during the Civil War, when soldiers were sent up
in balloons to gather intelligence about their surroundings. IMINT was practiced to a greater
extent in World Wars I and II when both sides took photographs from airplanes. Today, the
National Reconnaissance Office designs, builds, and operates imagery satellites, while the
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is largely responsible for processing and using the
imagery. Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) is the analysis and visual representation of security
related activities on the earth. It is produced through an integration of imagery, imagery
intelligence, and geospatial information.
4. Measurement and Signatures Intelligence (MASINT) is a relatively little-known collection
discipline that concerns weapons capabilities and industrial activities. MASINT includes the
advanced processing and use of data gathered from overhead and airborne IMINT and SIGINT
collection systems. Telemetry Intelligence (TELINT) is sometimes used to indicate data relayed
by weapons during tests, while electronic intelligence (ELINT) can indicate electronic emissions
picked up from modern weapons and tracking systems
5. Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) refers to a broad array of information and sources that are
generally available, including information obtained from the media (newspapers, radio,
television, etc.), professional and academic records (papers, conferences, professional
associations, etc.), and public data (government reports, demographics, hearings, speeches, etc.).
Unlike the other INTs, open-source intelligence is not the responsibility of any one agency, but
instead is collected by the entire U.S. Intelligence Community. One advantage of OSINT is its
accessibility, although the sheer amount of available information can make it difficult to know
what is of value. Determining the data’s source and its reliability can also be complicated.
OSINT data therefore still requires review and analysis to be of use to policymakers.
Research analysis

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Case prosecution
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Skills needed to become a special crime investigator
1. investigative skills
Investigative skills are critical in many investigations. The investigator must often look into the
background and activities of victims, witnesses and suspects. Investigators must have the
resources and ability to conduct relevant investigation.
2. communication skills
Interviews are often the cornerstone of any investigation. Investigators must interview the client
or victim, witnesses and suspects. The investigator must ask clear questions and extract as much
detail as possible. In addition, the investigator must recognize discrepancies and gaps in any
story and ask questions to clarify the information. The investigator must also be a good listener,
including reading body language and recognizing when a witness may be lying or withholding
information.
3. problem solving skills
In order to piece together the evidence and witness statements obtained during an investigation,
the investigator must be a good problem solver. In many cases, witness statements will be
contradictory, so the investigator must use critical thinking and problem solving skills to figure
out what really happened in a case. Critical thinking skills also allow the investigator to look past
the obvious solutions and analyze evidence objectively.
4. computer skills
Investigators often use computer technology to assist in their investigations and used to compile
series of records.