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

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  • Reset

Guidebook/Tool, Policy | 2015

How Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Conducts Pattern-or-Practice Investigations

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Crime Investigations

Guidebook/Tool | 2009

Law Enforcement Intelligence: A Guide for State, Local, and Tribal Law Enforcement Agencies (Second Edition)

  • Crime and Violence Response
  • Crime Investigations

Guidebook/Tool | 2008

Strategies to Address Gang Crime: A Guidebook for Local Law Enforcement

  • Crime and Violence Response
  • Crime Investigations

Guidebook/Tool

Critical Response Toolkit: Post-Critical Incident

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Response to Mass Demonstrations
  • Responding to Mass Critical Incidents
  • Crime Investigations

Guidebook/Tool

Fusion Centers and Emergency Operations Centers

  • Crime and Violence Response
  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Response to Mass Demonstrations
  • Responding to Mass Critical Incidents
  • 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.

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