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SPECIAL REPORT Investigating Big Crimes in Small Towns programs are unable to do. For instance, TLO Online Investigative Services is a system designed to provide more than present information, but give offcers the history of various aspects of the suspect's or victim's lives. Services such as TLO give detectives what many think is private information. While this information is essential, it provides an extremely high shock factor when the offcer interjects information the suspect thinks is private. During the "building rapport" stage, the offcer should provide information that only the suspect thinks they know. Such as, "I see you lived at 124 State Street when you were a child. What would your neighbor, Steve Smith, say about you?" When a detective provides pertinent The basic interview and interrogation techniques are the same for big information, it gives the impression that crimes and small crimes alike. she has done the homework needed to piece the case together. This can be an intimidating factor for the suspect, Keep in mind we are talking about small areas where which at times assists in breaking down wealth of information does not exist under one roof, rather walls. This type of information is excellent for developing suscontained under many different walls. For example, members pects but just as valuable in creating a thorough victimology. from probation and parole could obtain information way be- A victimology is extremely benefcial and sometimes an often yond the capabilities of a local detective. Be on a frst-name missed step in the process. What brought the victim to his basis with these individuals and make sure the fow of infor- fnal resting place? mation is a two-way street. There are many factors that go into a rural-area "high-priAs a lead investigator, he will be bombarded with ideas ority" investigation. Though easier said than done, the key at and theories from other team members. Take heed in this as the beginning is for the lead investigator to remain calm. As theories from others can suggest a new light into the inves- other offcers go through this process, the calming effect of tigation. Being the CEO of this team does not make him the the leader sets the tone for the others. Once the rushing has man with all the answers especially in an area where these stopped, the work begins. types of crimes do not happen every day. After creating a A prepared department is one that has checklists in place and unit and collecting the evidence, follow-up meetings should offcers trained. Though a high-impact crime may never occur immediately begin. This puts all on the same page and opens in an offcer's career, it is essential offcers are ready to go if doors to new information. the time comes. Part of preparation is to know what outside Meetings concerning a high-impact crime can be broken resource could be utilized for assistance. Information is a key down into three areas. The frst meeting strictly involves the ingredient to a successful investigation. It can come from many offcers directly participating in the investigation. Questions resources outside the scope of the people involved. Proper vicdealing with leads and evidence, and developing a plan, is timology is essential, which assists in providing investigators the priority. The second meeting could involve a round table- information outside the scene. type discussion with key witnesses or family members. The A murder or other high-priority crime against a person does traditional one-on-one interview with key witnesses is obvi- not have to be a cluster. A department properly prepared does ously part of an offcer's arsenal, but sometimes opening it up wonders when these crimes occur. Though economically it may can set many at ease. seem a waste to put money into training that may never be used, it Everyone knows everyone in a small town, so the amount is assured that when the time comes, the money will be well spent. of information from one person can have a signifcant impact. The third meeting should be with prosecutors. Like rural po- JL Sumpter, M.S. is currently a Detective/Sergeant with the Emmet lice departments, prosecutors may not have handled these County Sheriff's Offce in Michigan and has over 17 years of experience. types of cases as well, so it is mandatory they are kept in the JL is a freelance writer and public speaker in the law enforcement feld. loop and up to date with the investigation. He can be reached at jsump@me.com. Information is Key Use the Internet. Many websites have popped up touting their ability to fnd information that LEIN or other computer-based 30 LAW and ORDER I June 2013 LaO Post your comments on this story by visiting www.lawandordermag.com