The Investigative Process
Howard Silverstone, Michael P. Sheetz, Stephen Pedneault, Frank Rudewicz · 2012
All investigations share similarities. Whether the investigation centres round financial crimes, burglary, or even murder, each investigation passes through the same general stages. All cases go from initiation, to planning, to execution, to prosecution, and finally to reflection. In some cases the stages overlap. In others they are abbreviated. However, in every case each stage plays a key role in how well, or poorly, the outcome matches the expectations. Understanding these similarities and the roles each play in the overall investigation is crucial to success. Also, understanding these stages is more important in financial crime investigations than any other. This chapter presents the stages through which varied cases progress. Beginning with initiation, the author examines how cases catch the investigator's attention. The important role that planning plays in the overall process, followed by a look at the investigative plan is also discussed. Besides, the author also explains how reflection can pay dividends in future investigations.