Some of us may be familiar with popular tv shows or read books that deals with crime and police investigations. Most of these are patterned if not inspired by real life crime scenes. Whenever a suspicious death or unlawful activity occurs these are always subjected to a criminal investigation which are administered by government police forces or sometimes private investigators are hired to help out. These investigations are then documented in a criminal investigation report, which is one of the important functions of police authorities. Learn more about this in our article today, and for templates you may check out our free criminal investigation report samples below:
5+ Criminal Investigation Report Samples
1. Criminal Investigation Manual Report
2. Criminal Investigation Dissemination Report
3. Criminal Investigation Summary Report
4. Criminal Investigation Justice Report
5. Criminal Court Investigation Report
6. Criminal Case Investigation Report
What Is a Criminal Investigation Report?
This is imperative that in an criminal investigation, reports should be drafted to monitor the its progress. Information incorporated in these reports will serve as important reference should any further pursuit take place. Thus a criminal investigation report is a document that details the findings of a criminal investigation as soon as a formal complaint is filed or an incident occurs. This is where investigators record the issues of the matter, analyze the evidence, and formulate a conclusion. It is impartial and based on evidence.
How To Write A Criminal Investigation Report?
Due to the sensitivity of these types of reports, it is crucial that investigators or any other relevant parties involve must remain objective and impartial on their opinions. As mentioned, everything that goes on the report must be based on facts, evidence and witness accounts. Contents of a criminal investigation report may differ depending on the format given, but the important thing to remember is that the report must be complete, accurate and timely. Let us dwell upon the basic contents of what makes up a criminal investigation report.
I. General Information
Provide basic information of the subject of the investigation such as the name, contact details, description and other important and relevant details needed in the report.
II. Case Details
Specify the type of case and its corresponding number, the investigating or reporting officer, date issued, description of the crime scene, and a brief summary of the incident.
III. Matters To Be Investigated
List the following matters that needs to be investigated or requires further follow up.
IV. Investigation Body
This should contain the facts, investigation process and findings. Document physical evidence and investigative interviews and incorporate this in a summary. Make sure you include all details collected and outline this properly so it may be easy to understand and read. Remember, this report is crucial to any final decision making process, so everything must be written comprehensively.
V. Actions Taken
Recap what actions were taken during the crime scene, what initiatives we conducted before and after the initial investigation. This is can help other relevant party assess the protocols if these were duly followed or should there be any other matters that needs to be looked upon.
VI. Conclusion
Identify the disposition of the investigation and come up with an objective conclusion. Again, personal opinion could only be relevant in some matters, in an investigation report always based everything on the gathered facts.
VII. Recommendations
Recommendations can be advised based on findings of the initial investigation. Would this entail a need for additional evidence? A need to investigate other related matters? All these would depend on how the investigators preceded the criminal act and its implications.
FAQs
What Is the Importance of an Investigation Report?
An investigation report is important because it is used to to provide decision-makers with the facts needed to determine a course of action.
What Are Examples of Criminal Activity?
These are unlawful behavior in a form of theft crimes, property crimes, homicides, felonies, drug and alcohol related and many more.
How Long Does a Police Investigation Take?
Depending on the gravity of the crimes and the availability of the complainant, offender and evidences this could take a few months to a couple of years.
Writing an effective criminal investigation report can not only help solve a case but this could deliver peace of mind to the victims who fall short to these unfortunate incidents. Encourage criminal investigators to get their work done efficiently and push law makers into drafting laws and implementing stiff penalties to keep the public safe and minimize any criminal activity.
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