Methods of Criminal Investigation free essay sample

In criminal investigation there are many methods of inquiry. Most of these methods can be placed in one of two categories: methods that help to reconstruct the past or methods that help to discover or create a new idea or theory. Some examples of these methods are induction, deduction, classification, synthesis and analysis. Induction is a process that starts out with a specific observation and works backward toward a general conclusion. Induction has been compared to the formation of human common sense. As with common sense, a conclusion reached by induction can be ncorrect or misleading. Care should be taken when using this method of inquiry. Deduction is essentially the opposite of induction. In deduction, you begin with a general conclusion and the end result is specific fact or observation. As with induction this method of inquiry is not always correct and can also be misleading. Classification is when objects are arranged based on similar traits or characteristics. We will write a custom essay sample on Methods of Criminal Investigation or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This method (also called taxonomy) is very helpful when categorizing evidence to be used later on the judicial process.Synthesis is combining various forms of evidence to create a more accurate account or details pertaining to a criminal investigation Analysis is taking a complete theory or conclusion and breaking it down into individual parts that can be easily studied, verified or understood. Scientific method is another very essential method of inquiry. Scientific method is used to observe, evaluate and essentially solve problems that are affiliated with the criminal investigation process in a systematic and purely objective manner.It completely removes any form of personal opinion or beliefs and relies solely on scientific facts to prove or disprove a conclusion. It is used regularly to connect bits of circumstantial evidence and provide investigators with a solid hypothesis, which in turn can help lead to a suspect and essentially an arrest. All of the above methods can be used separately or combined in order to collect the necessary evidence to help solve a crime. An essential tool in solving crimes in an effective, efficient, professional criminal nvestigator. An ideal criminal investigator would have a creative, critical, almost suspicious mindset. He/ She will question every small detail and possibly notice the most minute details that someone with an untrained eye might overlook. They would be inquisitive and fueled by an investigative mindset, often believed to have been obtained at birth.