Assignment 3: The Big Stage!
Generally, the final report is a document that is usually submitted at the end of an investigation of a given case by the investigator assigned to that specific case. This report involves an outline of the investigator’s feelings and the various recommendations on the cause of action that should be taken into account in accordance to the evidence that is gathered as well as the nature of the offence committed. With this kind of understanding on the importance of the report, it should therefore be well prepared so as to effectively ensure that the prosecution succeeds in proving that the accused is guilty before the jury. The report should thus ensure that it presents a clear picture of the situations that surrounds the crime so as to convince the appropriate decision making board beyond any reasonable doubt of the guilt of the victim accused. In preparing the final report therefore, the investigator who is in charge should be objective despite the determination of ensuring that the guilty is punished. Hence, the officer should also ensure that the innocent victim is not also condemned. Therefore, the evidence that is presented should be thoroughly examined even before making any recommendations in the final report (Stolz 2014). While drafting these reports, care should be practiced by the assigned investigator so as to ensure that clarity in the final report is achieved. Any aspect of repetition as well as mixing up of different issues should be evaded in any manner possible. Facts, judgments as well as accusations should also be drawn out exceptionally and vividly if the investigator who is accountable is recommending hearing of the case so s to give the prosecutor an easy time in proving the guilt of the accused. In relation to all these, it is quite clear that the final report is a document that is very delicate as though the jury considers witnesses testimonies and also other factors, they vitally use this report in making their final verdict where they either rule that the suspect is guilty where he is sentenced or whether the suspect is not guilty where he is released since the evidence presented is not that strong enough to prove that they are guilty and jail them.
Criminal justice process involves a sequence of stages that starts with the investigation of the case and ends with the release of the convicted offender. However, ruling as well as the decision making process is the core element of this process. Stages of a case establish the need to whether the prosecutor ruling goes hand in hand with the charges of the case. Suspects are thus given an opportunity so as to be able to prove their case. Investigation stage gathers all the relevant evidence while the arrest stage ensures that the suspect is held in custody. Prosecution on the other hand, involves making the decision in regards to the weight of the many factors that relates to the case. Indictment stage is also important as it is used in the prosecution of a capital offense. Arraignment stage I where the accused appears in court and is expected to enter a plea. As the decision making process continues, some of the cases are dismissed as these cases are removed (Costello 2013).
The detective or rather the investigator must ensure that his presentation of all the facts related to the case are true as well as valid and it keeps up with the high standards. He also should ensure that he reviews, organizes and also labels each and every exhibit that is organized to be used in the trial. The availability of the drawings and also photographs enables the courtroom presentation to be a success. Juries therefore look for and also expect this type of preparedness from the investigator. The court as well appreciates this form of preparedness as it is believed that it mitigates any form of delays of getting the attorneys on one more chance to try again preparing the drawings and dwindling of reliability of the presentation presented before the jury. Hence a well prepared, expertise presentation of the investigators always enhances an appropriate courtroom appeal and ensures that the case is focused on with interest as well as intent. It demonstrates the key interest and also the effort that is taken by the detective in the preparation of the case (Stolz 2014).
Acquittal and NG are words that are used for the same thing but they are used differently. This means that despite the presentation of the evidence, it was not adequate and hence it fell short. One of the major differences between the two is the fact that an acquittal or not guilty concept is used to mean that the burden of proof was inadequately met and hence there was insufficient proof to jail the guilt and as a result the court has ordered the release of the victim (Stolz 2014). This does not mean that the investigator failed in their investigation since the court decided on an acquittal. Rather it means that despite the fact that efforts has been taken by the investigator in his determination to provide evidence, the court did not find these presented evidences to be that strong to put the burden of this proof on the defendant.
There will be a revolution in the criminal justice department in the next 20 years to com. One of the greatest change that is anticipated is the data collection as well as the synchronization of the collected data along with the existing records so as to ensure that each and every police station is able to retrieve data without delay and as soon as the first hand information is reported. This form of data will enhance the criminal justice department gets instant notification on any form of patterns mostly in the criminal occurrences and also gives real time information direct and immediately (Costello 2013). This will enhance the police department to investigate the need and the viability of computerizing and ensuring that the reports are reviewed. Hence, with certain level of security information relating to the manner in which the system operates can be easily accessed by all who wish to have knowledge about the status of the case as well as the proceedings.
In conclusion, change in understanding about the investigator, their investigation and the level of importance that the investigator has on bringing in all the evidence will form a basis for the change in the manner in which investigators work in the years to come. This process of change will be taken over by the process of data collection and the analyzing sectors through the use of technology type where the forensic sciences will be applied and would take over.
References
Costello, R. (2013). The Psychology of the Criminal Justice Process. Criminal Justice and Behavior, Book review: In Doubt: 40(3), 349-350.
Stolz, B. (2014). The Growth of Federal Criminal Justice Policy Making: The Role of U.S. Civil Rights Legislation. Criminal Justice Policy Review.
