Assignment:
Susan Chandler, a popular model, was found murdered in her penthouse. On receiving the call, the investigative officer on duty, Allan McCarthy, who had been with the police department for four months, rushed immediately to the crime spot. One of the neighbors informed Allan about seeing industrialist Graham Penn leaving the apartment two hours before the body was found. The attendant at the underground car parking also supported the statement.
The attendant also said that Graham seemed in a hurry to get away, paid him $100, and told him to not disclose that his car had been there. Allan acted fast, obtained an arrest warrant, and arrested Graham Penn. The murder made front page news, and Graham's photograph was flashed across all television news channels within an hour of his arrest. Allan's supervisor, Colin Williams, an experienced detective, had some doubts about this case and Allan's actions. He had not received any update from Allan before the arrest was made.
Two days after Graham's arrest, Ted, the driver of a speeding car, was arrested on a highway. Ted confessed that he murdered Susan Chandler. He also confessed to have murdered other young women in the locality. Following the disclosure of this news, Graham Penn filed a libel suit against the police department. As Allan was responsible for the arrest, he was placed under suspension pending further investigation on his rash actions.
Do you think it is important to provide briefings of the case to the supervisors? Why or why not? Are there any consequences of not apprising the supervisors about the progress in the investigation? If yes, what are the consequences? If no, why?
Is it necessary for supervisors to ensure that the investigating officers seek their approval for each of their actions? Why or why not? Are there any exceptional circumstances when the supervisor's approval is not required? If yes, explain one such exception? If no, why?
In your opinion, do persistence and personal integrity play an important role in differentiating a good investigator from a bad one? Why or why not? Explain top four traits that a good investigator needs to have.
Examine the life of a famous investigator. Explain the personality traits that made him or her good criminal investigator.