Analyzing Criminology and Criminal Justice Case Study: Burglary

This case study, titled "Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice," analyzes two burglary scenarios. The first case focuses on crime scene investigation, emphasizing the importance of securing the area, collecting evidence (fingerprints, metal bar), and interviewing witnesses to identify the burglar. The second case examines a suspect in possession of a stolen camera, exploring the legal implications of drug use and possession of stolen property. It highlights the powers of police officers, arrest procedures, and the importance of suspect interrogation while considering the suspect's rights, including the right to an attorney. The analysis underscores the need to prove the camera was stolen, the suspect's knowledge of the item's origin, and his intent to defraud the owner. References from relevant criminology journals support the analysis.

Running Head: INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
Name
Affiliation
Instructor
Date

2
Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
CASE STUDY A
Because the burglary has taken place, it is essential to start taking notes from the witnesses
as well as notes from possible notable hints in the house. This is usually done after securing
the place so that unauthorized people do not get in and tamper with evidence. It is also
prudent to call the house owner if he is not around. In this case, the owner was called and
he is already at the scene. After securing the place, the area and items should be dusted for
fingerprints while forensic experts collect evidence such as the metal bar used to break into
the house, (Pridemore et al., 2018, 20). At this point, it is essential to stop the house owner
from rearranging the house because this leads to the destruction of evidence and the crime
scene. To identify the burglar, witnesses should be encouraged to give a detailed description
of the burglar and the car so that a search can be done immediately. If located, the suspect
should be returned and the stolen items were given back to the owner, (Messerschmitt,
2018, 85
CASE STUDY B

3
Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
First, he is a drug user hence the need to charge him for drug abuse. Police officers have the
power to arrest with or without an arrest warrant. In this case, the suspect is in possession
of a stolen item (Part 9, powers and Responsibilities). Similarly, the suspect may face
detention as investigations to the alleged offense go on. This can lead to time in jail, he can
pay up fines, do community service or take on probation. In Part 9 of LEPRA, and
investigations can go on with the suspect under detention for a specified period. This is to
ascertain whether he took part in a crime. However, the suspect’s right should be taken into
consideration, such as the right to an attorney. Secondly, he is in possession of a stolen
item. The Canon camera in his possession matches the one that was stolen during the
burglary. This is evidenced by the matching serial numbers on it. For him to be charged for a
felony or a misdemeanor, I have to prove that the camera he has was in fact stolen. From
the list of stolen items, this matches correctly, (McGlyn, 2018, 9). It is thus essential to
interrogate him by using accusatory and persuasive interrogation within a controlled
environment such an interrogation room. As such, taking notes during the process is
essential. It is wrong to set up individuals so that they can be framed for stealing items. In
this case, the suspect has been arrested while in possession of a stolen item. Secondly, he
bought the camera in a pub hence having the ability to know that the seller was not the real
owner. The seller should have provided a receipt of sale. Thirdly, he has the intent to
defraud the owner of the camera by trying to sell it. Claiming that he did not know whether
the item was stolen is not a defense and as such, this leads to his arrest and being charged
for possession of a stolen item, (DeLisi et al., 2018, 1107).

4
Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
References
DeLisi, M., Nelson, E. J., Vaughn, M. G., Boutwell, B. B., & Salas-Wright, C. P. (2018). An
epidemiological study of burglary offenders: trends and predictors of self-reported

5
Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
arrests for burglary in the United States, 2002-2013. International journal of offender
therapy and comparative criminology, 62(4), 1107-1127.
McGlynn, K. E. (2018). Incapacitating Dangerous Repeat Offenders (or Not): Evidentiary
Restrictions on Armed Career Criminal Act Sentencing in United States v.
King. Boston College Law Review, 59(9)
Messerschmitt, J. W., & Tomsen, S. (2018). Masculinities and crime. In Routledge Handbook
of Critical Criminology (pp. 83-95)
Pridemore, W. A., Roche, S. P., & Rogers, M. L. (2018). Cashlessness and Street Crime: A
Cross-national Study of Direct Deposit Payment and Robbery Rates. Justice
Quarterly, 1-21.