Midterm Assignment

Unit 5 Midterm Assignment

Ronda Cauchon

Kaplan University

CJ210-04 Professor Bart Murphy

December 10, 2012

1. What are methods of inquiry and how are they used in criminal investigation?

Methods of inquiry are ways in which investigators obtain information to aid in solving a crime. The authority method involves the investigator relying on the observations and hypothesis that have derived from another source. This method would be used when the investigator interviews a witness or suspect and gains information that will help further the investigation and aid in the apprehension of the suspect. The tenacity method allows the investigator to draw conclusions that are based on belief or superstitions. This method would be used when a person was not an actual witness to the crime but believes that the actions fit a particular suspect. Intuition is a method in which the investigator must rely on his own senses and feelings about witnesses, suspects and the reason for the crime. These methods can be used together to reconstruct the crime, determine the time and place of the crime, as well as identify the perpetrator.

2. What is the optimal mind set of an investigator and how are the concepts associated with the optimal mindset of an investigator manifest?

The mind set of an investigator can help or hinder and investigation, investigative work is not for the weak of mind. An investigator must be mentally prepared; if the investigator does not have the proper mindset much of the evidence could potentially be overlooked. An investigator must possess such character traits as; honest, dedicated, inquisitive, and patient. By being honest, the investigator will look for evidence in every direction; he will not be swayed by relationships or sympathy. Dedication is vital since many investigations last for long periods of time and involve hours and hours of investigative work. An inquisitive investigator will leave no stone unturned, he will ask every...