Topic > Criminal Investigation Skills - 535

1. The investigation method is based on the collection of all the facts of a criminal investigation, such as physical evidence, witnesses and documents (Osterburg 2010). Investigation methods are the ways in which an investigator gathers information for a particular case he or she is investigating. In a criminal investigation the investigation method follows five simple words: who, what, when, where and why and finally how. The investigation method can also be very useful when it is necessary to reconstruct the crime scene. An example of an investigation method: An investigator will use all statements and evidence obtained from the victim or witness and use that information or evidence to reconstruct the incident that occurred.2. The optimal mindset of an investigator is to look for possible motives while remaining open to all possibilities by focusing on the simplest evidence that can be gleaned from the scene (Osterburg 2010). An investigator must also be willing to keep an open mind and be able to change and adapt to different evidence that may present itself. An investigator cannot be determined about something or a certain way of conducting the work, he must also be reluctant to change his approach. It is important to avoid tunnel vision when investigating a crime scene. I think an optimal mindset is one where the investigator can make the most of their work and help them process all the evidence they can, it might help them come to a conclusion about what happened. I also believe that the mental state necessary to be a successful investigator can be taught through training and experience.3. The scientific method is the analysis of evidence, examining a case from every possible angle, not giving up on an investigation until all angles are covered, and not allowing personal emotions to create a bias in their mind (Osterburg 2010). An example of the scientific method would be when an investigator arrives at a crime scene, they first search the area for clues and see if anything doesn't seem right. Next they should look for different forms of evidence, the most important would be trace evidence because it can provide DNA evidence that can also link a suspect to the crime. There are many other ways in which evidence and other clues can be collected from a crime scene, but it is up to the investigator to use their knowledge and help find the person responsible for the crime