Managing Criminal Investigations

Criminal Investigations are one of the primary functions of a police agency and must be properly managed to ensure efficient and effective investigations. Many police agencies organize their criminal investigations function based on the “way we have always done it.” Failure of police chiefs and command officers to properly manage this critical function can lead to inefficient operations and a significant waste of resources.

This 16-hour program is designed for Police Chiefs and Criminal Investigation Supervisors. It is NOT a class for investigators but is a class on managing the Criminal Investigations function within your department. The class is designed to answer questions of staffing, specialization, best organizational arrangement, and how to improve the overall investigations process. The class is highly interactive and participation is highly encouraged.

At the conclusion of this course, the participant will:

1. Define and understand the goals of criminal investigations.
2. Explain the dynamics of organizing the department for the best investigation of criminal offenses and the techniques for increasing effectiveness.
3. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of patrol officer investigation versus detective investigations.
4. Examine the basics of managing the criminal investigation process to gain maximum effectiveness of the personnel assigned.
5. Recommend ideas for improving the criminal investigation function within your agency.
6. How to manage major investigations and how to develop investigative protocols prior to the occurrence of major cases.
7. Utilize and understand the need and how to perform needed audits and inspections to ensure the Criminal Investigation process is working as it should.