Effective Detective

SKILLS AND THE INVESTIGATIVE PROCESSdescribed as those who not only kept up-to-date with changes in legislation,forensics and technology, but would actively incorporate new developments intothe enquiry. Example 4 illustrates where an SIO used new technology effectivelywithin an investigation.Example 4“I had a murder enquiry where we had lots of intelligence but no firmevidence. I needed to arrest a number of people and the intelligence was thatthe offender was a gang leader from XX, but we couldn’t find him. One of thegood things was the technology. I managed to get hold of an emerginganalytical technique. I was becoming aware of what such analysis could do andhow, at the end of the day, we managed to trace the offender through thisprocess. I just felt that that was using experts and technology to their fullpotential.”Several officers argued that constant reviewing of the situation through regularbriefings and de-briefings was also required; a single piece of evidence may result inthe investigation changing direction. The SIO should also continue to balance thelines of enquiry against the available costs. An ‘effective’ SIO needs to remaindetached, open-minded, analytical and ensuring that professional continuity isbeing maintained throughout the investigative process.By far the most frequently cited skill in this stage of an investigation was attendingto the welfare needs of the team. This was perceived as particularly important inlong-running investigations. We have already noted that the SIO has to employ avariety of techniques to motivate staff in order to maximise their contribution. Thisrequires an understanding of what motivates the different individuals in the teamand an awareness of when motivation is required. Interviewees suggested a numberof factors which influence the motivation of the team. These included: ensuringactions given to team members are relevant and that they will have a clear endresult; making the staff feel valued; having an open door policy rather thanestablishing cliques; providing constant encouragement to the team; and, perhapsmost importantly, being perceived as a credible SIO. Those interviewed perceivedcredibility as extremely important in motivating staff and maintaining themomentum of an enquiry, whilst ensuring a tight control of the strategic objectives.Example 5 illustrates where an SIO paid good attention to the welfare needs of thestaff.39