Overview

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.

Self-Review Tool

The Knowledge Lab is developing an online self-review tool to help agencies reflect on their current policies and practices evaluate them against research and evidence-informed practices their performance in key areas of policing. This tool is intended to provide a snapshot of where an agency currently stands within this core practice area. There are no right or wrong answers, only an opportunity for honest reflection, learning, and continuous improvement.

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Resources Related to Crime Investigations

  • Reset

Report | 2018

Policing the Connected World: Using Social Network Analysis in Police-Community Partnerships

  • Crime Investigations
  • Technology Implementation

Report | 2017

Boston, MA, Site Spotlight (Phase II)

  • Crime Investigations

Article | 2016

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

  • Crime and Violence Reduction
  • Crime Investigations

Guidebook/Tool | 2015

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

  • Crime and Violence Reduction
  • Crime Investigations

Guidebook/Tool, Report | 2008

Enhancing the Problem-Solving Capacity of Crime Analysis Units

  • Crime and Violence Reduction
  • Crime Investigations

Guidebook/Tool | n.d.

The Sexual Assault Supplemental Report Packet

  • Crime Investigations

Collection, Webpage | n.d.

Crime Gun Intelligence Centers

  • Crime Investigations

Collection, Webpage | n.d.

Law Enforcement Investigations

  • 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.

Explore the Complete Resources Library

Access the complete Resources Library to explore a wide range of strategies, tools, and best practices that support agencies, practitioners, and communities.