Qualities of a Successful Investigator
In any criminal investigation, there exist three initial stages that a successful investigator must always bear in mind. Firstly, the question of whether a crime transpired must be addressed. Subsequently, if a crime indeed occurred, the nature of the crime must be identified. Lastly, the investigator must ascertain the identity of the perpetrator.

Once the nature of the crime is established, every endeavour is dedicated to documenting the incident's particulars, identifying the wrongdoer, apprehending, and arresting them, and gathering and safeguarding enough evidence to secure a conviction. The investigator's task is to acquire testimonies and physical evidence that not only qualify as admissible proof but also withstand potential challenges from the defendant's defence advocate and are comprehensible to the jury.

Effective techniques for conducting criminal investigations are typically honed through experience but can also be acquired through study. Combining foundational knowledge with practical experience constitutes an ideal approach. Nonetheless, the true grasp of these techniques is achieved by applying them to specific cases.

The successful investigator must possess adept skills in extracting information from both tangible evidence and the accounts of those implicated in the crime. They need to discern what evidence warrants scientific scrutiny in a laboratory setting by skilled technicians and comprehend how to store and transport such evidence appropriately. Furthermore, they must be proficient in interviewing crime victims and witnesses, as well as skilfully interrogating suspects. Ultimately, they must be astute in determining the evidence necessary to substantiate the essential elements of the alleged offense.

Collaboration with multiple individuals is imperative for the success of any investigation. Cooperation from complainants, victims, and witnesses is essential; however, in numerous instances, individuals might be unwilling to collaborate. An investigator, being a police officer, can encounter resistance due to personal reasons or apprehension towards the police. Establishing cooperation usually necessitates some degree of persuasion. This persuasion becomes feasible when the investigator possesses traits that facilitate the establishment and maintenance of interpersonal relationships. Traits such as emotional self-control, tact, personal dignity, integrity, courtesy, honesty, and conscientiousness pave the way for cultivating cooperative relationships.

Coercing information from individuals involved in a criminal investigation is never advisable. Instead, the investigator should aim to persuade them – whether it is the victim, providing fundamental details of the crime; witnesses, providing pertinent information; suspects, offering insights into their potential guilt; or even the criminal themselves, eliciting a damaging confession or possibly a comprehensive admission and reconstruction of the crime.

Building rapport with the victim is often underemphasized among detectives. Granting respect, allowing them to express themselves, and recognizing their newly acquired victim status can significantly impact the investigation. Effective listening is pivotal, with the investigator interjecting questions only when pertinent. Once all facts are gathered, the victim should be informed about police actions and the commitment to apprehend the culprits.

Similar principles apply to interacting with witnesses. Allowing them to share their accounts, posing relevant questions, and expressing gratitude can foster positive sentiments towards the interviewer. Astonishingly, the same approach holds true when dealing with suspects. Not all suspects are hardened criminals, and being overly aggressive can deter potential future cooperation as witnesses.

The most arduous work for a detective often involves disentangling the truth from a mixture of half-truths, distorted realities, and absolute truths. Therefore, an accomplished investigator must embody conscientiousness and honesty. Every relevant fact must be secured, regardless of whether it could exonerate or incriminate a suspect. There is never a valid justification for concealing evidence. An investigator of integrity would never commit such a transgression.

While new evidence might necessitate redirecting attention to alternative suspects, the ultimate objective of a criminal investigation is not to implicate anyone other than the actual culprits. It genuinely revolves around uncovering the truth, and this quest for truth should guide the investigator in every case.

Experienced journalists often attest that it is not scientific techniques but "good information" that cracks significant cases. This assertion holds true. Most cases are solved due to useful information, often sourced from allies. Naturally, successful investigations demand substantial effort. A skilled detective is inherently a diligent worker, meticulously observing facts and analytically evaluating complaints, information, opinions, beliefs, and appearances.

Relying on hearsay or mere suspicion is inadequate. The apprehension of criminals does not hinge on luck or pretence. Instead, it is a direct outcome of hard work, encompassing mastery of investigative techniques, meticulous information gathering, and astute differentiation between fact and fiction.

The ability to cultivate relationships and gain the cooperation of others is arguably the most valuable quality of a detective. Gathering information involves interacting with diverse individuals, many of whom could become invaluable allies. Such allies can be encountered daily during investigations, patrols, or routine social interactions. Taxi drivers, waitstaff, bartenders, bankers – each can serve as sources of valuable information. Although detectives might not have informants in the traditional sense, they certainly need friends.

In essence, a successful investigator must possess a firm grasp of investigative techniques, excel in building relationships and extracting information, and comprehend the evidence required for securing convictions in specific crimes. They must identify evidence amenable to laboratory analysis, exhibit resourcefulness and determination to rival equally resourceful and determined criminals, and ultimately uphold an unwavering commitment to integrity. The investigator's role is to illuminate the truth from the complex web of testimonies and physical evidence, ensuring justice for both the innocent and the guilty.

References:

1. Claire Mendler, Alaska Journal of Commerce - As Crimes over the Internet Grow, so does your Liability.
2. Dr. Adam Graycar, Director, Australian institute of Criminology - Nine types of Cyber Crime.
3. Dr. G.B. Reddy, Women and the Law, Gogia Law Agency, Hyderabad.
4. Andhra Pradesh Police Academy, First Course in Investigation.
5. P. Venkatesh, Police Diaries, Statements, Reports and lnvesi1'gations, Premier Publishing Company, Allahabad.
6. R. Deb, Principles of Criminology, Criminal Law and Investigation, S.C. Sarkar & Sons, Calcutta.
7. Col Maurice J. Fitzerald, Handbook of Criminal Investigation, ARCO Publishing Company, INC, 219 Park Avenue South, New York, 10003.
8. Timewarner Books - Crime Busters.
9. N.K. Acharya, Evaluation of Evidence, Asia Law House, Hyderabad.
10. Ahmed Siddique, Criminology, Eastern Book Company, Lucknow.
11. The Mammoth Book of Best British Crime, Robinson, Running Press, London.

Written By: Md. Imran Wahab, IPS, IGP, Provisioning, West Bengal
Email: [email protected], Ph no: 9836576565