Crime Detection History

Crime Detection Historical Background

Introduction to Crime Detection History

Early criminal investigation was a crude process, relying on eyewitnesses, inferences, and confessions extracted under torture. In early 19th-century France, for instance, the principal technique for catching thieves was obtaining evidence from informers who were also engaged in crime.

The first major step in modern crime detection took place in Great Britain. In 1829 the Metropolitan Police Act established the basis for the world-famous Scotland Yard detective department (see Scotland Yard), which investigated crimes in London and, occasionally, throughout the British Empire. The British example influenced the development of criminal investigation in the United States, where large cities patterned their police efforts after the successful model in England.

Criminal investigations are now conducted in the U.S. at municipal, state, and federal levels in accordance with the dictates of the law. The conduct of an investigation is governed by information obtained from people, records, and physical evidence. Victims or witnesses still provide the bulk of facts as to when, where, how, why, and by whom the crime was committed.” (1)

Resources

Notes and References

• Information about Crime Detection History in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia

Guide to Crime Detection History

In this Section

Crime Detection, Crime Detection History, Surveillance, Interrogation, Crime Detection Records,

Scientific Crime Investigation, Firearms Examinations, Serological Investigations, Investigation Toxicology ,Hairs and Fibers Crime Investigation, Crime Mineralogical Investigations, Crime Metallurgical Investigations and Crime Document Examination.