CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

Criminal Investigation

Criminal Investigation

“Criminal Investigation has been the subject of enduring interest to the general public, and a considerable mythology has grown up around it” (Mike Maguire (2003) in The Handbook of Policing Page 365). Critically evaluate the role and impact of the National intelligence model within the process of criminal investigation, making direct links to the academic and scholarly literature.

Introduction

A survey commissioned during 2003 across all police forces in England & Wales found practitioners confused with how problem oriented approaches integrated with the National Intelligence Model (NIM). This finding was also corroborated by academics monitoring NIM implementation. This paper looks to clarify this ambiguity by explaining the compatibility of the two approaches. In essence it shows:

Both methodologies share a common purpose, which is to allow police and partner agencies to use resources in the most focused and cost effective way to make sustainable reductions in crime and disorder

Both approaches require an infrastructure to deliver results

Both approaches endorse a tiered approach to reducing crime & disorder

Both approaches endorse enforcement and prevention techniques

The intelligence and analytical products together with the tasking and coordinating process of the NIM can be completely integrated with 'problem solving' models such as SARA (Scanning, Analysis, Response, Assessment).

The NIM does not prevent or hinder staff who work with partners on problem solving initiatives linked to local or Force priorities (control strategy). Indeed, it allows staff the opportunity to avail themselves of greater resources should they be needed.

An initial point about infrastructure

The requirement for the police to work alongside partners to tackle crime & disorder is made out in Government policy and legislation, and is also endorsed by Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) as well as the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). However, whilst the majority of police forces explicitly support this approach there is considerable evidence to show implementation has not been systematic (Bullock & Tilley, 2003), which has resulted in a considerable waste of resources.

The ACPO Working Group on 'problem solving' was formed with the overall purpose of assisting forces to use problem oriented approaches to make sustainable reductions in the fear and actual levels of crime and disorder in the most effective way. The group started by conducting a present position survey of the 43 police forces in England & Wales in relation to their use of problem solving approaches. Amongst its findings practitioners reported considerable confusion as to how problem oriented approaches integrated with the NIM; a finding corroborated by academics monitoring NIM implementation. As John & Maguire (2003 :39) reported, "As POP is already well established in several forces, the compatibility of the two models may have an impact upon the implementation of the NIM and how easily it is accepted and understood by officers on the ground. "

The sections that follow show how the SARA model and the NIM depend on an infrastructure to succeed, how they both support a tiered response and finally how a problem solving approach ...