Assess the Usefulness of Investigative Techniques in Criminal Investigations

Sure, here are some bullet points grouped into main topics related to assessing the usefulness of investigative techniques in criminal investigations. Please remember the bolded terms as they are key phrases that could potentially come up during the exam.

Forensic Science Techniques

DNA profiling is an important tool in criminal investigations. This method allows law enforcement to identify individuals based on their unique genetic makeup. It’s widely used in solving crimes especially those involving sexual assaults and murders.
The collection and analysis of fingerprints is another significant forensic technique. No two people (even identical twins) share the same fingerprints, so they present a reliable method of identifying criminals.
Forensic pathology allows investigators to determine causes of death through autopsies. Findings like the time and cause of death can provide crucial leads in criminal investigations.

Research and Surveillance Techniques

CCTV footage is often used to provide evidence of a crime occurring. It helps to identify suspects and can also uncover criminal activity that may not have been reported.
Law enforcement agencies commonly use stakeouts and surveillance for gathering information about suspected criminals. This can help in collecting evidence and observing patterns of criminal behaviour.
Undercover operations and informants can be very successful in infiltrating criminal networks, although they come with their own risks and ethical questions.

Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques

Properly conducted police interviews with suspects can yield important information and confessions. It requires experience and skills to prevent misleading or false confessions.
Witness interviews play a vital role in criminal investigations. Witnesses can provide vital information about what happened, which can be critical in solving the crime.

Each of these techniques has its strengths and shortcomings, and their usefulness often depends on the context of the particular investigation. Efficiency and legality are two cross-cutting issues that have to be considered in all investigative techniques.