Criminal Investigation Do You Believe the Police

Criminal Investigation

Do you believe the police should have access to these records and be able to use them in their investigations?

Yes, in the case that was examined the police should have access to the motor vehicle, employment, criminal records and other pertinent information on the suspect. This is because these pieces of information can establish patterns of behavior that were exhibited prior to and after the burglaries were committed. For example, the criminal records are showing that the suspect in custody has previous convictions for these offenses using the same method of operation. Moreover, they have no known address and do not live at the one listed on their driver's license. (Orthmann, 2012) (Foster, 2005)

If the police have access to different pieces of information, they can use this to show how this person is connected to the crime. For instance, the ability to monitor their financial transactions will help to determine if they sold anything that was stolen. This evidence can be used to directly link them to the different burglaries. In the event that the suspect is innocent, the increased access to this information will help to clear them. This will speed up the investigation and prosecution of those individuals who are responsible for committing these crimes. (Orthmann, 2012) (Foster, 2005)

These factors are showing how increased access to various records will allow law enforcement to monitor and track the activity of suspects. This helps them to quickly solve these crimes and prosecute those who are guilty. In the future, this enhances their ability to enforce the law and it prevents crimes from occurring by addressing the root causes early. This precludes criminal activities by not waiting to establish patterns that are based upon previous crimes. (Orthmann, 2012) (Foster, 2005)

What investigative records, not generally available to the public, might be of use in the investigation of this type of case and how would they be of assistance?

In this kind of investigation, medical and psychological information would be very useful to officials. This is because it will tell them if the suspect is suffering from any physical ailments and their mental state. When officials are investigating a crime, this can be used to establish a psychological profile based upon conversations they have with mental health professionals. During an interrogation, this gives the police greater amounts of leverage over the suspect. This makes it easier to coerce them into providing the necessary information. (Orthmann, 2012) (Foster, 2005)

At the same time, the ability to monitor their cell phone calls, online activities and read their mail helps to offer insights about what criminals are up to. This is because the suspect is not aware that the police could be monitoring these conversations and will conduct business as usual. Over the course of time, law enforcement can collect evidence against this individual and use it to prosecute them. (Orthmann, 2012) (Foster, 2005)

The ability to monitor these activities is helping officials to understand what the suspect is up to. This is because screening their communications will result in them learning about the overall scope of their activities and who they are connected to. In the case of the burglary suspect, this will provide insights as to the range of his endeavors and who he is selling stolen merchandise to. (Orthmann, 2012) (Foster, 2005)