Key Challenges in Criminal Investigation

Written by an author with extensive practical and training experience, this book provides a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of the development and practice of criminal investigation. It examines decision-making within criminal investigations, from volume crime through to major and serious crime investigations and links investigative influences on policing with the evidence-based agenda.

Part of Key themes in policing, a textbook series of evidence-based policing books for use within Higher Education curriculums and in practice, this book is suitable for policing and criminal justice programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Review: "Investigation is no longer restricted to police officers. This book transcends police investigation linking practice to theory. I would recommend to all who have an investigative duty" Iain Stainton, University of Cumbria "Drawing on a wealth of existing research and personal experience, Dr O'Neill provides a valuable insight into the workings and challenges of contemporary investigative practice. A must-read for police investigators and students of policing." Matthew Bacon, University of Sheffield

Contents: Introduction: Defining criminal investigation Art, craft, science and austerity Training investigators Decision-making The centrality of law The problem of success IPCC reports on investigations Concluding remarks

Author Biography: Martin O'Neill is a senior lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University and served with Kent Police for thirty years.