Investigation Techniques in UK Assignment
Added on 2021-01-01
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Critically discuss how theinvestigation of major crimeshave changed in the UK sincethe 1970?s. Use relevant casesin your discussion.?
TABLE OF CONTENTSINTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1Major crime investigation ...............................................................................................................1History of crime investigation in UK...............................................................................................1Current and changing trends of crime investigation .......................................................................2Nature and frequency of crimes ..................................................................................................2Legislative aspects ......................................................................................................................3Technical changes .......................................................................................................................4CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................................5REFERENCES................................................................................................................................6
INTRODUCTIONCrime investigation is defined as the process to collect evidences so that details regardingcommitted crime can be evaluated. It helps in identification of perpetrator and to supportevidences for the conviction. The crime investigation approaches have significantly changes overtime. For evidence collection the present day investigation techniques also uses forensic science,criminal psychology, technical competence and legal skills and knowledge (Sheptycki, 2017).The study will evaluate the changes in crime investigation techniques and processes in UK since1970. The analysis helps to understand the legislative as well as technical changes which has notonly changed the crime investigation but nature of crime as well. Major crime investigation The major criminal activities in UK involve crimes such as Murders, Serial killings,Robbery, sexual assaults, and terrorism events. The evidences have the ability to mislead theinformation and to cause uncertainties. Thus, investigation for major crime scenes are performedwith due care so that it future consequences can be eliminated. The critical thinking andscientific methods are basic components of criminal investigation. The investigating officers arealso required to collect the information from the witness, victims as well as neighbourhood. For making the major crime investigation more precise it is vital that emerging trends intechniques, methods and technologies are also incorporated in crime investigation process. Forexecuting the criminal investigation associated officers not only emphasis on collectingevidences but also on legislative perspectives (Priestman, 2018). During evidence collectionpolice or related agencies must assure that witness is not harmed or their safety rights are notviolated. For more precise monitoring and evaluation of the crime scene UK police is alsoemploying virtual investigation so that each and every angle of crime site can be recorded. It isalso mandatory for the crime investigation that evidences must be collected carefully and theirinterpretation must also be carried out with due care. History of crime investigation in UKThe major development in crime investigation practices began in 1829 with the formationof London Metropolitan police department. The Police act of 1946 was implemented so thatvarious country forces can be merged. Till the advent of 19th century crime investigation wasperformed via monitoring and manual methods only (Windle and et.al., 2018). The use oftechnology began in 19th century when technology was used to create criminal identification1
database by Paris Police department so that investigations can be improved. By the end of 1970modern investigation methods such as forensic science were also begun to be considered as partof crime investigation (Taylor, 2018). The DNA profiling, fingerprint and criminal records serves as effective measure toquickly resolve many puzzles related to evidence collection. In 1988 European DNA Profilinggroup was established to served the purpose. The use of these techniques helped to solve manycriminal investigations. Prior to 1988 it was not easy to explore the collected evidences to widearea but technological changes make it possible. For instance in the case study Sally AnneBowman murder [2005] DNA profiling was used to reach the culprit (DNA Database: Key casestudies, 2019.). It not only solved the case but also expose several other cases in which culpritwas involved. The legislative aspects have transformed significantly. Earlier it was quite challengingconvincing the witness for their safety. There were mismanaged plans and strategies related toevidence collection and other crime investigation activities. For instance the current practices arevery transparent and systematic. Like every detail of the investigation is documented so thatmisinterpretation or investigation errors can be minimised (Hess, Orthmann and Cho, 2016). Current and changing trends of crime investigation The most impactful and dominating changes which have altered crime investigation aretechnology and legislations. For instance before 1980, when crime sites were found with bloodstains then it was of minimum or negligible use because its analysis was capable to give onlyblood type or details of protein. However now it is possible that a blood stain or even afingerprint can help to determine the significant information or possible history of the individual.As compare to the past years the monitoring and surveillance systems of UK have become veryimproved and precise. For instance the CCTV cameras, audio and video recorders helps to recordthe statement and actions of people. Thus, witness or criminals can be easily identified. The hi-tech technologies also enable crime investigators to safely record and store the evidences so thatthey cannot be distorted or damaged. With the changing nature and technology it has been alsoobserved that legislative frameworks are also improved and updated. Nature and frequency of crimes The crime investigation methods and accuracy depends upon the nature and frequency ofcrimes (SooHyun and et.al., 2017). As compare to 1970, there has been huge increase in cyber2
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