Criminal Investigation – In search of the truth

Edited by Bill Van Allen
Toronto, Ontario: Pearson Education Canada, 2007

In ‘Criminal investigation-in search of the truth’ Van Allen offers a comprehensive textbook on the current state of affairs in the field of investigation.  The reader will benefit of his extensive years of experience as an investigator as well as a lecturer in Criminal justice.  Furthermore the author wishes to contribute to the limited Canadian literature in this field.

The textbook consists of thirteen chapters.  At the beginning of each chapter the book cites the learning outcomes.  At the end of each chapter a summary, discussion questions and web-links for further information are provided.  The cherry on the pie are the various references to real life cases.

The first chapter discusses the criminal investigative function.  It focuses on the various types and objectives of police investigations, but also points out the pitfalls that cause investigations to fail.  Besides the process of investigation, the author also describes the requirements and qualities he feels are required of an investigator.

Chapter two provides information on the various types of evidence and what could be a potential source.    Chapter three and four address note taking, report writing and interviewing witnesses and victims. 

The fifth chapter explains the what, who, why and when of the interrogation of suspects, with attention to the rules and rights that are applicable in Canada.

Chapter six and seven address the various aspects of crime scene investigation and forensic sciences.  For instance the responsibilities of the first officer on a crime scene and the limitations when entering without a search warrant.  The Locard’s exchange principle and the implications in the prevention and/or contamination of a crime scene are also presented in this chapter. 

Chapter eight and nine deal with specialised investigative techniques (for instance surveillance, interception of communication, polygraph, and undercover operations, behavioural analysis, etc.) and how to manage information through informants.

The final chapters, ten to thirteen feature major crime investigation, sudden death and homicide investigation, major case management and courtroom procedures.

When you consult amazon.com for books on criminal investigation, you will find about 12,000 results.  The first question one has to ask himself as reviewer ‘is there a need for another book on criminal investigation?’  The answer is simple, ‘yes’.  Criminal investigation is a field that is continuously evolving.  Therefore there will be always be a need for well-written textbooks on the subject that can present the latest in the domain

Overall, the manuscript is well-written and a joy to read.  The content is current (major case management system, geographic profiling, VICLAS …) and not only applicable to Canada.  It provides a clear insight into the field of criminal investigation through a concise and easy readable text, which will be very informative to investigators, researchers and anyone interested in the field.

The views expressed in this review are those of the author and do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Federal Public Service Home Affairs.