Criminal

UNIT 5 MIDTERM PAPER

RECONSTRUCTING THE PAST

METHODS, EVIDENCE, EXAMPLES

CJ 210-01

Criminal Investigation

Professor Ronald J. Reinhardt

By

Jessica Martinez

2012

Methods of Inquiry

A method of inquiry must be based on gathering observable, empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning. It is part of the scientific method, and they are used as part of a criminal investigation to achieve a number of goals, but the biggest of which is usually to determine the perpetrator of a crime. One of the methods of inquiry is to reconstruct the past and those that discover or create new knowledge (Osterburg & Ward, 2010). Certain fields in criminal investigation use the inquiry method. Example is: geology, physical geography, physical anthropology, forensic medicine, statics, and criminalities. In criminal investigator most know how to reconstruct the crime scene to find to find what happen. Investigation also has to reconstruct the crime scene to create a new knowledge or evidence to help solve the crime. In reconstructing the past, both historians as well as scientist play a big role and work hand and hand.

Optimal Mindset of an Investigator

The optimal mindset for an investigator is one of objectivity and qualified skepticism. Such a mindset can be manifested through the use of the scientific method and well-established methods of inquiry. In optimal mindset of criminal investigator developed through practice and experience. Most investigators are born with this gift some have to be taught; but to experience and practice will make a successful investigator. Some investigators doubt their choices or what they think; which cause many investigations to take longer. An analytical mind-set to consider multiple theories of how a crime occurred, followed by strong communications skills to deal with suspects and witnesses. A flexible outlook is also essential to coping with the job's sometimes relentless personal demands. However,...