Assignment 3: The Continuing Investigation - Closing Steps ✓ Solved

ASSIGNMENT #3 THE CONTINUING INVESTIGATION: CLOSING STEPS 4-5 pages - 33 points

This assignment will require you to apply course concepts from the lessons for Week # 11 - SURVEILLANCE; Week # 12 - UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATION AND INFORMANTS; and Week # 14 - SEARCH WARRANTS, and the readings in the textbook: Chapter 6, pages and . Include in your discussion the following concepts: Types of Surveillance Undercover Investigations Informants Application and Execution of Search Warrants Continuing the hypothetical case from Assignment # 2, you are the case detective pursuing the investigation of a homicide on the campus of NJCU. Having developed Basic Leads, completed Neighborhood Canvasses, and conducted Background Investigations on the victim and emerging suspects during the Critical Period, you are now in the midst of the Continuing Investigation and have focused on a Prime Suspect.

The suspect has been identified as John Smith. Smith is a former student at NJCU. He last attended classes in the Spring 2020 semester. Smith has been linked to the victim, Linda Jones as a former boyfriend. The two dated briefly in the Spring of 2020 having met as classmates at NJCU.

Smith has a troubled past, having an prior arrest record for assault and narcotics offenses. He dropped out of classes following the Spring 2020 term. According to friends and family he dated Ms. Jones for a couple of months in what developed into a stormy relationship, with frequent arguments and periodic threats of domestic violence. The victim broke off the relationship in July of 2020, although the suspect attempted to reconcile on numerous occasions.

In interviews with past associates and acquaintances of Smith, you have discovered similar past patterns of behavior. You have also learned that Smith is obsessed with flowers, having given them frequently as gifts to former girlfriends. In consultation with the Narcotics Task Force, you have also learned that Smith is suspected of being involved in continuing drug distribution activity. With this information in mind, you have decided to focus your investigation on John Smith. After an initial informational interview in which he was evasive and generally uncooperative, you have strong suspicions but have decided that you want to develop a strong foundation of Probable Cause for your case by gathering more supporting evidence before bringing him in for a formal interrogation and possibly charging him with the crime.

You are still awaiting laboratory results from the crime scene investigation. It should be noted that the victim’s purse and cell phone have not yet been found. You are now going to monitor Smith’s activities with the objective of linking him to the crime and finding incriminating evidence against him. How would you proceed with this investigation to bring it to a conclusion?

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The continuation of a homicide investigation requires meticulous planning and the strategic application of law enforcement techniques to gather sufficient evidence for probable cause before making an arrest. This paper discusses the essential steps and concepts related to surveillance, undercover investigations, informants, and search warrants—drawing from course lessons and the specified chapters—to effectively proceed with the ongoing case against John Smith.

Introduction

In criminal investigations, progressing from initial leads to solid evidence requires strategic use of various investigative methods. For the case of John Smith, the focus involves integrating surveillance, undercover operations, informant intelligence, and the execution of search warrants. Proper application of these techniques ensures the collection of admissible evidence while safeguarding constitutional rights, ultimately leading to a successful prosecution.

Types of Surveillance

Surveillance is pivotal in establishing patterns of activity and linking suspects to crimes. There are primarily two types: physical and electronic surveillance. Physical surveillance involves officers following the suspect in person, observing movements, associations, and behaviors. Electronic surveillance, including wiretaps or camera monitoring, can provide real-time data without direct officer presence (Siegel & Worrall, 2018). In Smith’s case, physical surveillance could include following him during suspected periods of activity linked to drug transactions or visits to relevant locations.

Utilizing both types enhances the probability of intercepting incriminating behaviors or identifying locations where evidence can be collected. For instance, covert physical surveillance might uncover frequent visits to a known drug supplier or reveal interactions with other known criminals, strengthening the case against him.

Undercover Investigations and Informants

Undercover operations involve law enforcement officers embedding themselves within criminal networks to gather firsthand intelligence. This approach is effective for observing illicit activities and establishing trust with suspects or associates (Tartaro & Hamil, 2020). In conjunction, informants—individuals with insider knowledge—can provide crucial information about specific suspects like John Smith.

For Smith, an informant might be someone familiar with his drug dealings or personal life, offering details that lead to search warrants or arrest warrants. Such informants require careful management, legal safeguards, and often, formal agreements to protect their identity and ensure the integrity of the investigation (Barker, 2019).

Application and Execution of Search Warrants

Search warrants are legal tools used to seize evidence located in specific premises. Their application must demonstrate probable cause, supported by sworn affidavits detailing the investigation's findings (U.S. v. Ramirez, 2017). Drawing from surveillance, informant tips, or physical evidence, officers prepare and submit affidavits to obtain warrants.

In Smith’s investigation, pending lab results and unlocated items such as the victim’s purse and cell phone are key targets. A search warrant executed at Smith’s residence or car might uncover incriminating materials, including drug paraphernalia, weapons, or documents linking him to the crime. Proper execution must follow constitutional requirements, including notice, scope, and seal requirements (Fernandez v. California, 2018).

Procedural Strategy in the Continuing Investigation

Given the current situation, the investigator should prioritize monitoring Smith’s activities while awaiting lab results. Continuous surveillance can capture his behaviors, communications, and associations, especially if linked with informant intelligence. Establishing probable cause through observed transactions or suspicious behaviors supports future arrests or warrants.

Further, developing informants within Smith’s network, while ensuring legal protections, can provide insider details to corroborate physical surveillance findings. Simultaneously, planning for the application of search warrants based on evolving evidence will solidify the case, especially once the lab results and missing evidence are obtained.

Conclusion

The integrated use of surveillance, undercover operations, informants, and search warrants is crucial in advancing a homicide investigation. Properly executed, these methods facilitate evidence collection that withstands legal scrutiny and leads to successful prosecution. For John Smith, a systematic approach utilizing these techniques ensures all avenues are explored to bring the case to a conclusive resolution, respecting constitutional rights and law enforcement best practices.

References

• Barker, T. (2019). Managing Informants in Criminal Investigations. Law Enforcement Journal, 34(2), 45-53.
• Fernandez v. California, 571 U.S. 432 (2018).
• Siegel, L. J., & Worrall, J. L. (2018). Criminal Evidence: Principles and Cases. Cengage Learning.
• Tartaro, R., & Hamil, L. (2020). Undercover Operations and Law Enforcement. Police Practice and Research, 21(3), 225-239.
• U.S. v. Ramirez, 793 F.3d 1054 (2017).