Investigations, Serious Crime and Case Management
This domain tests how you run an investigation from first report to file, including serious crime. The exam expects knowledge of the Senior Investigating Officer model, the golden hour, forensic preservation, disclosure and victim obligations under the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017.
Core rules
- The golden hour: preserve life, secure the scene, identify witnesses, preserve CCTV and forensic opportunities.
- An investigation plan should set lines of enquiry, tasking, exhibits, suspects, witnesses and review points.
- Serious crime may involve the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, the Criminal Assets Bureau and the Technical Bureau.
- Disclosure obligations under the Criminal Procedure Act 2010 require relevant material to be identified and managed.
- Victims are entitled to information, support and referral under the 2017 Act.
Worked example
A burglary is reported two hours after it occurred. The investigator tasks house-to-house enquiries, secures CCTV from the estate, arranges fingerprint and DNA examination of the point of entry, and takes a detailed statement from the injured party. A suspect is identified; the investigator records the arrest, interview and any admissions. The file records why other suspects were eliminated and what forensic results are outstanding. The DPP can follow the reasoning.
Traps
Do not lose the distinction between suspicion and proof. Do not omit decision logs. Do not let a single line of enquiry become tunnel vision. Do not forget victim contact and disclosure. Do not send a file without checking exhibit continuity.