The Criminal Investigative Function

Crime wreaks havoc on the very framework of our society, no one is immune from it.  Regardless of race, background, or financial status, crime can and will touch your life in a negative way.  The role of the criminal investigator is to fill the gap from suspect to victim.  The investigative function centers around the investigator. The qualities of a good investigator can be summed up in five key topics.

1. Persistent
2. Determined
3. Communicator
4. Oriented toward details
5. Prepared

 

 

 

These areas are not important if  the investigation is not done  completely,  there is no excuse for a lack of proper investigation.  Police and MLDI both must work as one unit – one team, to properly and completely investigate a death. The questions that arose in the death of Justice Scalia proves that every scene must be worked within a set of common standards and without the need to speed a conclusion.   Every death should be treated as suspicious until the evidence proves otherwise.

Death investigations start with the most important piece of evidence – the body. As a MLDI it is vital  you know the process of death and what changes take place after death to determine time of death as well as cause and manner. Police must also have an understanding of the Medicolegal  investigative process to better understand the investigation they are working.