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FLOW MODEL: AGENCY AND INVESTIGATIVE FACTORS LEADING TO CASE CLEARANCE

This interactive model is designed to highlight agency-level, investigative unit-level, and individual investigator-level factors that are more likely to lead to a case closure. Sources for this information include empirical research articles, private and public resources toolkits, and input from subject matter experts.

INSTRUCTIONS: This flow model should be read left to right, with factors listed under Stage 1 making factors listed under Stage 2 more likely to occur, in turn making the outcome listed under Stage 3 more likely to occur. Click the underlined links beneath the BOLDED categories to learn more. A box will appear below the model with additional information.


Stage 1

PRE-INVESTIGATIVE

Agency Factors
Investigative Unit Factors

Stage 2

INVESTIGATIVE


Stage 3

CASE CLEARED

By Arrest or Exceptional Means

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Agency Factors: Internal Resources

Technology
  • Employ effective investigative technologies including:
    • Digital evidence analysis
    • Firearm, toolmark, and DNA analysis
    • Crime/intelligence analysis software (e.g., geographic analysis; social network analysis, cellphone analysis, intelligence databases)
    • Personal equipment for investigators (e.g., smartphones; tablets; digital cameras)
    • Acoustic gunshot detection
    • Audiovisual surveillance network (e.g., license plate readers, facial recognition)
Budget
  • Maintain and allocate ample funding to support violent crime investigations to include overtime
  • Support the use of non-sworn staff to include:
    • Crime and intelligence analysts
    • Victim advocates
    • Forensics
  • Invest in internal and external training opportunities for personnel
  • Incentivize request to transfer to investigations to include:
    • Promotional and recognition opportunities
    • Take home vehicles
Patrol and Field Operations
  • Develop and maintain relationships with community members and businesses
  • Adequately staffed patrol unit to ensure an immediate response to crime scenes
Community-Oriented Resources
  • Encourage regular communication via tiplines (e.g., Crime Stoppers; agency social media accounts)
  • Establish specialized units/positions to engage community members (e.g., community engagement unit; community liaison officers)
Victim/Witness Advocates
  • Utilize advocates in violent crime investigations who have adequate training and access to resources
  • Maintain trauma-informed response
  • Support on scene response to assist victims, relatives and witnesses
  • Participate and support in death notifications
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