Criminal Investigation Vocabulary

A broad field of scientific processes applied to legal inquiry.

• forensic science

• science

• kinesiology

• criminalists

______ refers to areas of high criminal activity.

• crime mapping

• hot shots

• hot spots

• trap house

________ refers to when a theory is established by investigators and they set out to prove the single theory

• inductive reasoning

• deductive reasoning

• clue sifting

• logic process

A "gut feeling" or literally sudden knowing is:

• intelligence

• intuition

• integration

• normalization

_______ is a logical step by step process to uncover facts concerning a crime or specific event.

• intuition

• investigate

• lead

• solvability factor

Sources of information contributing to solving a crime is called a :

• lead

• investigation

• logic process

• Locard's exchange principle

A bi-directional transfer of material resulting when 2 or more objects come into contact:

• Locards exchange principle

• material swap

• solvability factors

• lead

A minor criminal offense resulting in a fine or jail time:

• felony

• misdemeanor

• ordinance violation

• solvability factor

A criminals preferred method of carrying a crime

• modus operandi

• lead

• investigatory lead

• mens rea

a local law valid only within a specific jurisdiction and usually punishable by a warning or fine

• misdemeanor

• ordinance

• rules of engagement

• bylaws