Strategies for Improving the Effectiveness of Criminal Investigations in the Contemporary Context

Abstract

        In the modern era, the world is rapidly changing due to technological advancements. As a result, criminals have also evolved their methods of committing crimes against unsuspecting victims. They utilize technology to conceal their identities and evade detection by government authorities, making crime prevention increasingly difficult. One effective means of addressing this challenge is through investigation, arrest, and suppression of offenders, which can help deter criminal groups from committing further crimes and protect the public from becoming victims. Therefore, it is an urgent mission of the state to address criminal problems by prosecuting criminal groups to prevent them from reoffending. This must go hand in hand with preventive measures, such as public awareness campaigns that inform people about the patterns, methods, and criminal tactics used-serving as a first line of defense. The prosecution of criminal groups must follow legal procedures, starting with criminal investigation, which is the first step in the criminal justice process and occurs closest in time and proximity to the criminal act. Investigation refers to the process of seeking facts and evidence to understand the details of the offense or the facts of the case-who did what, where, when, how, and why-according to the 5W1H principle. (Kipling, 1902) The evidence obtained-whether it be witness testimony, physical evidence, documents, or expert witnesses-must be consistent with the facts and corroborate other pieces of evidence without contradiction. Interrogation, or inquiry, refers to the collection of evidence and all other actions taken in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code. In criminal cases, the public prosecutor has the duty to prove that the defendant committed the alleged crime based on evidence provided by police officers responsible for investigation and inquiry. If the prosecutor cannot prove that the defendant committed a crime under the law or if the act does not constitute an offense, the court must acquit the defendant.

        This article, therefore, aims to study and analyze the current problems in criminal investigations and propose approaches to enhance the efficiency of criminal investigations by developing knowledge and skills in the investigative process for police officers. These officers are key agents in combating increasingly complex and severe crimes in today’s world.