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Training and education should be at the top of the list for all law enforcement officers who investigate a crime. number. With these statistics, most have little regard for crime in rural areas, but when a murder occurs it quickly becomes a large area problem. Preparation The frst thing when handling high-impact crimes is to being mentally prepared. The second is to resort to the already created checklists and policies since this helps put offcers on the same page. However, be aware that checklists can vary from one crime to another as the ordinary may quickly become complex. In rural areas, the number of offcers can be minimal, which forces a request for assistance from area agencies. With this in mind, it is vital when help arrives they are just as prepared as your agency. Upon arrival and after the assisting agency is aware of your procedure, step back and welcome suggestions. Not checking egos at the door can have a substantial negative impact on the investigation. This is not a time to be a hero; rather, it is about successfully and safely closing a case. Though being the agency to sign the arrest warrant is satisfying, it should be done, so all agencies as a group are recognized for putting the violent offender or offenders behind bars. The Rushing Stops When high-priority crimes hit, investigators tend to think big. Like trials of today where the majority of time prosecutors are explaining the realism of CSI. Unfortunately, investigators may fnd themselves thinking the same thing. Keep in mind, "If you hear hoof prints it is probably horses and not giraffes." Other than an active shooter or other similar incident, an investigator should slow down and reason with a clear mind while also calming the rest of the team. Slowing down means not jumping to immediate conclusions and having the case solved before analyzing the collected evidence. For example, at the scene of a murder victim, immediately stating the suspect dumped the body in that location would be premature When called to investigate an unknown or changing crime scene, have a plan; use a checklist. unless there is a sign over the body stating otherwise. Just as outdated evidence can create doubt for the jury (e.g. gun shot residue), a belief expressed early in the investigation may have the same effect. This information gives the defense attorney ammunition when cross-examining an offcer on the stand. Why early in the investigation did you believe this was a dump job and now you do not? What changed your mind? Why could it not be...? Minds of the Many Utilizing training or experience from area agencies and offcers is a must when a high-impact offense, such as murder, occurs once in 20 years. The investigating offcer should seek assistance from someone who has handled a similar case. A detective in rural areas may go their entire career without handling a homicide, armed robbery, or other such crime, so it is vital he understands that it is OK to ask for more experience. Since most, if any, smaller departments have a crime lab, it is necessary to utilize these units. In Michigan, most departments utilize the Michigan State Police Crime Lab for evidence preservation or analysis. Although they have individual units specifc to crime scene evidence collection, it is crucial to have as many offcers trained in evidence collection and other investigative needs. Once an offcer receives technician status, keeping up to date on current trends is a non-negotiable. While being careful not to step on toes, a younger, newly trained investigator should carefully announce up-to-date procedures, so everyone is on board (e.g. from the top down). There are usually one or two investigators in each department, and when put together, can make a pretty good team. In addition to updating individual departments, it is also ideal for investigators to meet monthly to discuss area concerns, up-to-date resources, and investigation techniques. These meetings should involve representatives from all law enforcement related agencies holding potential information. www.lawandordermag.com 29