Criminal investigations are integral to an overall crime reduction strategy. Investigations are supported and reinforced by established policies, training programs, and accountability measures. Criminal investigations are bolstered by effective management and specialized training to ensure investigators are updated on new investigative methods, legal standards, and best practices.

Yellow police tape with the words 'CRIME SCENE DO NOT CROSS' in the foreground, with blurred emergency response vehicles and their flashing lights in the background during a night scene.

Resources Related to Crime Investigations

Visit the Knowledge Lab’s full resource index here.

  • Implementation Tools

  • Type of product

  • Audience

  • Reset

Guidebook/Tool, Webpage | 2023

ATF Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) Fact Sheet

  • Crime and Violence Response
  • Crime Investigations

Webpage | 2023

National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) Fact Sheet

  • Crime and Violence Response
  • Crime Investigations

Report | 2021

Advancing Knowledge to Reduce Gangs and Gang Violence: Perspectives from Researchers and Practitioners

  • Crime and Violence Response
  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Crime Investigations

Report, Research Brief | 2020

Street Violence Crime Reduction Strategies: A Review of the Evidence

  • Crime and Violence Response
  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Stops, Searches, and Arrests
  • Crime Investigations

Guidebook/Tool | 2019

Understanding and Responding to Crime and Disorder Hot Spots

  • Crime and Violence Response
  • Crime Investigations
A Law Enforcement Officer's Duty Belt

Article | 2017

Decision Fatigue and Why It Should Be Understood by Law Enforcement Leadership: Can Science Provide Insight into How Officers Make Decisions?

  • Use of Force
  • Responding to Mass Critical Incidents
  • Crime Investigations

Guidebook/Tool, Research Brief | 2016

Crime Mapping & Analysis News (Issue 5, Fall 2016)

  • Crime and Violence Response
  • Crime Investigations

Guidebook/Tool | 2015

A Police Organizational Model for Crime Reduction: Institutionalizing Problem Solving, Analysis, and Accountability

  • Crime and Violence Response
  • Crime Investigations

The information provided within these modules has been gathered from various sources, including legal reviews, research, and practitioner and department-developed resources. These webpage modules are intended to be a guide for departments to use to improve their policing practices. Additional information and resources may be needed to implement the recommendations successfully. This resource is intended to be dynamic, and the Knowledge Lab will continue to update and add to these modules to provide additional and current guidance for departments.

Empowering Law Enforcement Excellence

A Beacon of Guidance at the National Law Enforcement Knowledge Lab

Explore targeted areas such as crime and violence reduction, use of force accountability and early intervention, and recruitment and retention. Elevate your agency's performance with our guidance and support.