Homicide Investigation Techniques Essay

Abstract Murder investigations are started when there is a suspicious death, there is precise steps that should be followed during a murder investigation. So that the case can be brought to court and prosecuted evidence is collected, suspects and witnesses are interviewed. The law enforcement personnel that participate in a murder investigation are individually trained to handle and process evidence; this includes protection of the crime scene and testifies in court. Definitions of homicides and manslaughter The two offenses that is classified, as homicide is murder and manslaughter; manslaughter is perpetrated in one of three ways; killing another individual with intent, but where compliance such as loss of control, decreased responsibility, or committing suicide by way of a concordat. Committing a crime where an individual is killed by gross negligence, gross given the risk of death and behavior in the form of an illegal act involving a danger that resulted in the death of another human. Murder or homicide is the illegal killing with malice and forethought of another human; this is usually considered a premeditated state of mind and separate murder from manslaughter, because the individual planned the murder with intention, (Osterburg, J. W. & Ward, R. H. 2010). Crime Scene Assessment With the arrival of the first law enforcement officer at a crime scene, there are strict procedurals guidelines. The first officer to arrive at a crime scene tries to detain anyone that could be a witness/suspect. It is the responsibility of this officer to secure the crime scene to keep the crime scene from becoming contaminated and the loss of evidence. With the arrival of the investigator that will take charge of the crime scene, the officer will detail all information acquired from possible witness or suspects. The investigator will document the crime scene with pictures, sketches, notes and even video of the evidence and surrounding area. After the walk through, the investigator begins formulating a theory of the crime focusing on the progressions of events to include locations and positions of those present during the crime. All evidence is collected and sect to the lab for analysis, (Osterburg, J. W. & Ward, R. H 2010). What is Victimology? Victimology is the study of issues interjecting to the intensification in victim perceptibility, characteristics and elements, persecution and its influences, and victim’s reactions to persecution. Through this scientist studies physical, expressive and monetary harm people suffer because of unlawful activities. Victims are individuals that experience loss, injury or hardship because of a criminal act. Victimology uses subjective approach to identify, define and describe the problems associated with being a victim (Karmen 2012). Conclusion Even with the most publicized crimes in the history of the Unites States Criminal Justice System, police can arrest, but they investigate first. The investigators must find out the cause of and time of death. Investigators define a successful homicide investigation as the one where a perpetrator is pinpointed, indicted and convicted of the crime.