Professionals in the Field of Investigation - Essay Example

Running head: Investigator Training Investigator Training Insert Insert Grade Insert 9 March Investigator Training Introduction The role played by investigators in the society continues to increase as more issues and challenges in the modern society increase (Birzer and Roberson, 2011). The contemporary society experiences numerous issues facilitated by aspects like terrorism, crimes, accidents, frauds, and social, economic, political, and religious issues. As a result, the role played by key investigators in such matters has been changing and generally becoming complex and sophisticated (Dempsey, 2010). Overall, attempts have been make investigators more ready, equipped, and well versed to different dynamics of their roles in the new world that is dynamic and unpredictable. As a result, investigator training has become a critical component in preparing the investigators for their paramount role and duty in society. However, given the scenario in modern environment, it can be noted that, the role played by investigators will continue to evolve and this particular aspect will greatly affect the level, nature, content, and context of training such investigators should have. Therefore, even as training of investigators remains critical and important, the question being asked is whether the training methodology should put more focus on the structure of an investigation or on the skills of the investigator. Subsequent discussions will try to examine and analyse the statement in a deeper understanding and conceptualization. Investigator Training Investigators have been found to be important professionals in the dispensation of numerous activities in new world (Chandler, 2009). This is so, given that, the modern world is characterized by myriad of issues and challenges. The social world and overall human interaction is no longer at peace, since there are increased reports of terrorism activities, accidents of diverse natures, thefts of different types and magnitudes, frauds of any kind, and all sought of evil activities in society. The occurrence of these activities impacts heavily and negatively on different social institutions, actors, structures, and systems. As a result, there has been the need to identify the various ways to deal with such problems. Part of solution to these problems has been found to lie with investigators. Investigators, in their capacity as professionals, are perceived to have knowledge, skills, and sometimes experience to help other professionals identify, describe, evaluate, and analyze different activities that qualify to be investigated. Michaelides-Mateou and Mateou (2010) study and analyze investigators specializing in aviation accidents, and observes that, an investigation only becomes successful when those carrying out the investigations have necessary qualities that enable the entire process to be successful. As a result, the author goes ahead to note that, in order to carry out an effective investigation, the investigators should be professionals and must have adequate and quality training that has equipped them with appropriate and necessary skills and key physical attributes (Michaelides-Mateou and Mateou, 2010). In a report dubbed ‘ICAO Manual of Aircraft Accident Investigation (ICAO 2000)’, there is the development and provision of some insightful requisite qualities that an investigator should have (Michaelides-Mateou and Mateou, 2010). According to the report, the activities investigators get involved in are complex and sometimes highly specialized activities, which require trained personnel with such qualities as follows. Investigators need to have training that enables them to possess qualities such as inquisitive qualities, dedication, diligence, patience, perseverance, logic, humility, integrity, and respect for human dignity (Michaelides-Mateou and Mateou, 2010). More so, investigators have to possess sound knowledge of their particular fields of specialization and all technical skills required in such fields. Amdur and Bankert (2002) on the hand note that, the modern environment in the wider environment in which people interact and carry on with their activities has become complex, thus accelerating the need for investigator training. The authors go ahead to identify the 1998 report that was developed by the Office of the Inspector General, in which case, majority of investigators were found to possess inadequate knowledge concerning their responsibilities (Amdur and Bankert, 2002). Popularly known as the Belmont Report, the findings identified the need to increase the training needs of investigators in order to equip them with knowledge and skills about the new environment present in the world. Furthermore, the Belmont Report identified the key areas that training for investigators in the new world should concentrate and pay more attention. The identified areas, which investigators have been found to have little training thus inadequate knowledge include beneficence, respect for persons, and justice (Amdur and Bankert, 2002). The principle of beneficence notes that, investigators work or investigate humans, and as a result, they need to have ethical guidance frameworks to help them deal with humans. In similar manner, the investigators have to constantly carry out assessment of risks and benefits of their activities. On the other hand, the principle of respect postulates the need for investigators to seek permission from relevant bodies in order to ensure their activities bring honor to the lives of people they are investigating and at same time, investigators are required to uphold privacy of the subjects they are investigating (Amdur and Bankert, 2002). As a result, Belmont Report recommends that, the role of investigation in any field should only be carried out by competent investigators with necessary knowledge, skills, and experience. In most cases, training programs for investigators are aimed at teaching and impacting the requisite knowledge and skills among the investigators and through this, be able to prepare them adequately for their role in the society. The new century has brought with it many challenges that, in one way or the other, have revolutionalized the field of investigation. It is observed that, the new and ever-increasing dynamics in the world, and wider environment people interact in, has exerted a lot of pressure on investigators to embrace training that in sense cover and address the many needs and challenges facing the professionals and the people at large. For example, take the case of fraud investigators; they have to operate within a changing environment, especially with advent of technology and internet that has forced the professionals to acquire new training in deep computer knowledge and skills. At the same time, investigators, especially working in multi-ethnic and racial groups or societies have found it necessary to have more training in matters to do with cultural awareness and understanding. Therefore, it is clear that the subject matter in the field of investigation will continue to change as world becomes more globalized, information-based society and civilization of any nature take ground. However, what do all these changes say to the structure of investigation curriculum and programs? The understanding and common observation, which can be made is that, structure of investigation will remain fluid and will change alongside dynamisms taking place in the larger environment. Investigators will require to embrace and inculturate new information, techniques, content, and all that pertains to their field of specialization. To this extent, it can therefore be said that structure investigation will continue to be part of the success and positive results in endeavors of investigators. Structures will have to be formulated and aligned with wider goals of diverse stakeholders and change of the social environment. The development and subsequent change in the structure of investigation, as much it may be carried out, should not deviate from the basic goals and objectives of investigator training. For example, Amdur and Bankert (2002) have noted that, irrespective of which structure is adopted, the goals of any investigator training should be to impart knowledge and understanding of investigator that results in change of behavior as far as the investigator is involved in carrying out the duty or role according to his or her professional expertise (Ritter, 2000). Within this primary goal of investigator training, the objectives should be to enable the investigator understand and apply ethical measures and strategies while carrying out his or her duties, put into consideration the diverse needs and rights of different stakeholders whose investigation is instituted upon, and comply with the available laws and regulations guiding his or her profession. Lastly, the training should enable the investigator to acquire key managerial skills in executing his or her responsibilities (Amdur and Bankert 2002). But, even as more emphasis seem to shift and move to emphasis on structure of investigation in terms of curriculum and subject matter, which is bound to change from time to time, it should be known that, skill development of investigators will at same time remain relevant and important. For example, Michaelides-Mateou and Mateou (2010) have noted that, investigations of any nature take place under much pressure and constraints, and even in other cases, it takes place under physically challenging circumstances. All these aspects are likely to impact on the behavioral functioning of investigators. As it was seen earlier, investigators are people who should be patient, persevering, sacrificing, humane, and always determined (Coenen, 2009). At the same time, the nature of work may require that investigators be people who communicate well and articulate issues more precisely and with no contradiction tendencies. In this way, investigators are supposed to have adequate communication skills and abilities that enable them to respond and approach any situation in a more confident and productive manner (Hailey, 2002). More so, given that investigators work in social groups of people and individuals, it will require them to have good interaction and interrelationships skills. Such skills may include conflict resolution, patience, respect, cultural awareness, and many more. The point of emphasis here is that, the role of investigation requires people who can get well along with people, and such skills will enable the investigators to achieve their goals more precisely and sometimes easily. As a result, investigator training cannot emphasize other key areas and forget to address and incorporate the need for skill identification and development of investigators. Skills of individual investigators are important in the entire process and work of investigation. It constitutes an area the change or curriculum modification cannot forget, ignore, or underestimate. It has been established that investigator training becomes more enriching and productive when there is incorporation and facilitation of investigator skill development (Watts, 2009). However, to make skill development more appropriate and useful in the entire process of investigation, such skill development process should complement the natural investigative process, rather than isolate itself from investigator duties (Sennewald and Tsukayama, 2006). Together with emphasis on the structure of investigation, investigator skill development should be prioritized, and the curriculum developed should be in a position to empower investigators with knowledge, skills, and experiences (Sennewald and Tsukayama, 2006). This empowerment should enable investigators to identify issues to be and being investigated in a more profound manner, adopt the most appropriate techniques to carry out investigation, and know the basic tenets of ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements to observe in their investigative duties (Watts, 2009). The thesis statement of this research paper posits whether investigator training should focus on the structure of an investigation, instead of emphasis on the skills of the investigator. As it has been expressed and explained in the paper, the two aspects are relatively important and critically necessary in the modern world in which investigators have to operate and conduct their activities. The modern world, as it has been observed, is full of challenges and complexities that force the role of investigators to change, especially with regard to training needs of investigators. However, even as this becomes prevalent, it has to be noted that structure of investigation remains important to investigator, just as skill identification and development of investigators. Modern day investigators need knowledge, skills, and proper orientation to their roles in order to perform them effectively. Therefore, performance in their duties is likely to be excellent when the skills of investigators are identified and developed, and when the structure of training needs is modified to respond to needs in the new century. Conclusion Professionals in the field of investigation remain part and parcel of modern social, economic, and political development, and their role and work will continue to shape society in many ways. Given that there are numerous dynamisms taking place in the environment, it has been established that investigator training remains one avenue that development and progress of investigators will remain relevant. However, even as training remains important in this whole process, it has been established that the structure of investigation and how it is captured in the training curriculum for the professionals cannot be isolated, separated, or divorced from the skill identification and development of investigators. The two aspects are interdependent and should be incorporated in the training needs for investigators. References List Amdur, RJ & Bankert, EA 2002, Institutional Review Board: Management and Function, Jones & Bartlett Learning, MA. Birzer, M 2011, Introduction to Criminal Investigation, CRC Press, London. Chandler, RK 2009, Fire Investigation, Cengage Learning, viewed 09 March 2012, http://books.google.com/books?id=HEb145rC31AC&pg=PA129&dq=introduction+to+investigator+training&hl=en&sa=X&ei=O8xZT9q1CaK20QXPm622DQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=introduction%20to%20investigator%20training&f=false. Coenen, TL 2009, Expert Fraud Investigation: A Step-by-Step Guide, John Wiley and Sons viewed 09 March 2012, http://books.google.com/books?id=Nb2wigM_inoC&pg=PA14&dq=investigator+skills&hl=en&sa=X&ei=FSZaT7WFCanC0QWIjPzYBg&ved=0CDgQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=investigator%20skills&f=false. Dempsey, JS 2010, Introduction to Private Security, Cengage Learning, viewed 09 March 2012, http://books.google.com/books?id=S3rFr5gWKQUC&pg=PA48&dq=introduction+to+investigator+training&hl=en&sa=X&ei=O8xZT9q1CaK20QXPm622DQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=introduction%20to%20investigator%20training&f=false. Hailey, K 2002, The Professional Investigator: A Compilation of Articles, Essays, and Forms, iUniverse, IL, viewed 09 March 2012, http://books.google.com/books?id=6EsIebzpLLoC&pg=PR22&dq=investigator+skills&hl=en&sa=X&ei=FSZaT7WFCanC0QWIjPzYBg&ved=0CF8Q6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=investigator%20skills&f=false. Michaelides, S & Mateou, A 2010, Flying in the Face of Criminalization: The Safety Implications of Prosecuting Aviation Professionals for Accidents, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd, viewed 09 March 2012, http://books.google.com/books?id=J1Tr3cAixQUC&pg=PA52&dq=investigation+and+investigator+role&hl=en&sa=X&ei=is1ZT7CBL4Kq0QWj49XjDQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=investigation%20and%20investigator%20role&f=false. Ritter, FD 2000, Successful Personal Injury Investigation: Master the Techniques of Finding the Facts that Win Cases for Plaintiff Attorneys, Diverse Publications, viewed 09 March 2012, http://books.google.com/books?id=2eS5V6PADrUC&pg=PR29&dq=introduction+to+investigator+training&hl=en&sa=X&ei=O8xZT9q1CaK20QXPm622DQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=introduction%20to%20investigator%20training&f=false. Sennewald, CA & Tsukayama, JK 2006, The Process of Investigation: Concepts and Strategies for Investigators in the Private Sector, Butterworth-Heinemann, viewed 09 March 2012, http://books.google.com/books?id=jeWcoHOuiHUC&pg=PA21&dq=investigator+skills&hl=en&sa=X&ei=FSZaT7WFCanC0QWIjPzYBg&ved=0CGQQ6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=investigator%20skills&f=false. Watts, C 2009, ‘Building Modern Terrorism Investigators,’ The Counter Terrorism Publication, viewed 09 March 2012, http://www.thecounterterroristmag.com/pdf/Watts.Issue5.FeatArt.lores.pdf. Read More