Crime Analysis
Part One
Question 3: What is proof, its establishments, three levels, and circumstances under which each proof is applicable?
The proof is an argument or evidence that shows the truth in a certain statement. Proof can be used in various situations including court trials, criminal investigations, and learning in schools. Also, “proof is established by evidence” (Steven G., 2018). Through available evidence about a certain assertion, the people involved can agree whether the statement is true or false depending on the evidence, thus proof. The three levels of proof are the probable cause, reasonable suspicion, and beyond reasonable doubts. Probable cause is used when a certain conclusion is more likely to be true thus the police can issue an arrest. Moreover, “reasonable suspicion is applicable in cases where the police need to stop and frisk” (Steven G., 2018). Reasonable suspicion applies when the police or those in authority believe that a certain situation exists. Furthermore, beyond reasonable doubts is used in court trials to prove that the accused is guilty of a crime. The level of proof is used when there’s a need to make a conviction.
Question 5: Are fingerprints direct, indirect, inculpatory, or exculpatory evidence?
During the criminal investigation, John’s fingerprints are found at the crime scene. The existence of his fingerprints is proof of his presence during the crime. Fingerprints are direct evidence since they can only belong to one person. Unlike indirect evidence, direct evidence like fingerprints enables the accused to be convicted without further reasoning. Also, “inculpatory evidence includes an individual as the perpetrator” (Steven G., 2018). Since John’s fingerprints were found at the crime scene, he is guilty of the crime, making fingerprints inculpatory evidence.
Question 7: Guidelines when collecting eyewitness identification evidence
Eyewitnesses’ information on a particular crime can greatly help during the court trials. However, the investigators should follow some guidelines during the collection of identification evidence to avoid false information. The four guidelines are; “not informing the person conducting the line-up on the culprit’s identity, informing the eyewitness that the person in question might not be the line-up, ensuring the suspect is not outstanding in the line-up and collecting clear information during the identification process” (Steven G., 2018). The recommendations above help in preventing the eyewitnesses from giving false statements based on the persons on the line-up’s identity. Besides, the steps ensure the eyewitnesses do not protect the suspect by knowing their identity.
Question 10: How the suspect’s Twitter and Facebook accounts may provide valuable evidence during criminal investigations
Facebook and Twitter are the most used social networks by people globally. “During criminal investigations, photographs and videos posted by suspects doing illegal things may act as evidence” (Steven G., 2018). Many people like posting every detail of their lives on Facebook or Twitter. The pictures or statements may help investigators make certain conclusions about the person. Besides, the postings showing a person belongs to some bad street gangs may aid during investigations.
Part Two
Crime Analysis
Crime analysis is the proper way of analyzing crime by professionals, to know the trend of criminal activities in a nation. “Professionals and the techniques used help the police in criminal investigations” (IACA, 2020). There are various web resources performing crime analysis like the ScrapTheftAlert.com. ScrapTheftAlert.com offers support for citizens of America and Canada to alert the authority of stolen metals or vehicles. The resource allows citizens to easily report their lost metal items thus being helped by the police to acquire them back. ScrapTheftAlert.com was created by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industry and is a free online tool. The organization is about helping individuals get back their stolen items and vehicles from recycling facilities. From the website, I learned how I can receive alerts on stolen metallic items through their app. Besides, I can post and upload pictures of lost items and easily receive notifications when found. The information from the website will help many individuals who have no idea of this resource. Thus, I plan to tell people of the organization so that they can easily report and get back their stolen items.
References
International Association of Crime Analysts. (2020). https://iaca.net/dc_about_ca.asp.
Police in America, Steven G. Brandl. Sage Publications, Inc., 2018. ISBN #: 978-1-4833-7913-5