Criminology and Criminal Investigation
What the exam tests
Criminology and investigation questions cover theories of crime causation, criminal statistics, investigative techniques, and the logic of the inquiry. The delegate must understand how to structure an investigation and how to interpret evidence.
Core concepts
- Escolas criminológicas: classical, positivist, and critical; the shift from livre-arbítrio to determinism and back to social reaction.
- Teorias sociológicas: anomie (Durkheim, Merton), subcultures, labeling, and rational choice.
- Prevenção: primary, secondary, and tertiary; situational prevention.
- Investigação criminal: notitia criminis, verificação da materialidade, autoria, and the relatório final.
- Técnicas: interviews, surveillance, infiltration, and colaboração premiada under Lei 12.850/2013.
- Criminalística: preservation of the scene and chain of custody.
Traps
- Confusing prevenção primária (social causes) with secundária (targeting risk groups) and terciária (repression).
- Labeling theory explains secondary deviance, not primary causes.
- Colaboração premiada requires effective cooperation and results; mere denunciation is insufficient.
- Scene preservation: the first responder must isolate the area and avoid contaminating evidence.
Rule of thumb
For investigation questions, follow the chain: fact → materiality → authorship → evidence → report. For criminology, identify whether the theory explains the cause of crime or the reaction to crime.
Worked example
A community with high social disorganization and weak informal controls shows high crime rates. The best explanation is social disorganization theory, not individual positivism, because the variables are structural. The exam tests the match between theory and observed variables.