Computer Information Systems in Financial Crime Investigations - Research Paper Example

Computer Information Systems in Financial Crime Investigations Introduction This paper provides reviews of articles, from different journals, that relate to crime scene investigation, a Forensic discipline. Crime scene investigations make use of various disciplines of the forensic science in order to investigate the scene of crime and help in the prosecution of criminal cases. This mainly involves identifying and collecting potential evidence, restructuring the events of the crime, and identifying the potential perpetrators of the crime through the evidence collected. This discipline has been chosen due to passion for the discipline as well as its fascinating nature. Gottschalk, P., & Solli-Saether, H. (2010). Computer Information Systems In Financial Crime Investigations. The Journal of Computer Information Systems, 50(3), 41-49. This journal article explores information and communication technology with regard to computer information systems to support financial crime investigations. As opposed to convectional crime, white-collar crime is less visible, hence its detection is challenging. Therefore, the tools used in these two categories of crime are different. In the case of a financial crime, the most appropriate investigator tools would be accounting and computer forensics. Apart from describing financial crime in depth, the authors of this article have included other important information in the article. They have identified a profile for an effective detective. This is in terms of personal qualities, legal knowledge, practical knowledge, genetic knowledge, theoretical knowledge, management skills, and interpersonal skills. The authors have also clarified on the concept of “business intelligence” as it applies to information technology, and how this can be applied in crime investigations. After reading this paper, one gains an understanding of white-collar crime, even as this has become a major issue today. In addition, one learns of the process and stages involved in addressing financial crime. For criminal justice practitioners and administrators, the information in this paper can enhance the effectiveness of their practice. This is mainly with regard to the use of information technology, specifically computer information systems, in addressing the rising concern of white-collar crimes such as financial crime. Grubbs, T. (2014). Preserving Crime Scene Evidence when Treating Patients at an MCI. Journal of Emergency Medical Services. This journal article discusses ways through which crime scene evidence can be preserved when treating patients at a multiple casualty incidence. The author of the article has identified contamination of the crime scene as a major problem, which is challenging to an investigator’s efforts. Contamination of the crime scene leads to loss of evidence, especially through the hasty practices of first responders. However, if the first responder at a crime scene is well enlightened, they can play a crucial role. The author of the article has provided important guidelines that can be applied to a crime scene. This involves a step-by-step procedure, starting from when the MCI event occurs to up to the provision of treatment to patients at the scene. The author also considers medical documentation within the crime scene as an important step in the proper processing of the scene. This is especially important at crime scenes where there are deaths, as investigators will document the case information first. From this article, one learns that first respondents at any crime scene are critical, as these might influence the work of the investigator in various ways. If they tamper with evidence, the investigator will face challenges in their task. For criminal justice practitioners and administrators, the information in this paper can encourage them to ensure that first responders are well educated to the complexity of crime scene integration. The paper is quite informative considering the rising cases of global terrorism, where there are multiple casualties. Nechita, E. A., & Iancu, N. (2012). The tactics of hearings in the case of crimes against patrimony. Journal of Politics and Law, 5(3), 39-47. This journal article discusses the forensic tactics of hearing as part of the criminal investigation, with regard to varying statuses of persons involved in the hearing. The authors have presented the provisions relevant for crimes against patrimony, based on the Romanian Criminal Code. In addition, the authors show the stages that entail the preparation for hearing, as well as the actual stages of hearing in the case of crimes against patrimony. The authors of the article have furthermore delved in the how one should prepare for hearing and how one should conduct themselves in the process of hearing, including the phase of preliminary discussion, free reports and addressing of questions and receiving of answers. This paper offers important insights in hearings in the case of crimes against patrimony. For criminal justice practitioners and administrators, the information in this paper is crucial as it enables them to investigate the crime well and conduct appropriately the hearing process of the people involved in such crimes. The involved justice practitioner is endowed with knowledge on how to ensure successful hearings. This however is dependent on the relevant criminal code and forensic tactics applied. Hearing starts at the crime scene, proceeds as part of the criminal investigation, and ends up in court. Nonetheless, the degree of successful hearing also depends on one’s knowledge in the field of psychology and one’s communication skills. Bogdan, T. (2009). Forensic Techniques in Crime Scene Investigation – The Psychological Autopsy. Acta Universitatis Danubius No. 1/2009: 38-46. In this article, the author prescribes the technique of psychological autopsy in the process of crime scene investigation. This is after the realization that most investigators in their practice face great challenges. This is mainly with regard to cases where deaths have occurred, and the investigator is required to provide results showing the exact cause of death. The author deems to important to consider psychosocial factors involved in order to determine the causes of some deaths, hence the recommendation of the psychological autopsy, which mainly involves the reconstruction of the psychosocial aspects of the life of the victim. Apart from providing an overview of the psychological autopsy technique, the author has provided a history of this technique, noting that it emerged between 1934 and 1940. Focus is also on the types of psychological autopsies, including the equivocal death psychological autopsy and the suicide psychological autopsy. The author explains in depth how to apply the psychological autopsy in criminal investigation, and how to ensure accuracy. From this article, one gains important knowledge on the psychological autopsy technique and its appropriate application in criminal investigation. This knowledge is crucial to criminal justice practitioners and administrators, as it might enlighten them on the use of the psychological technique. Most importantly, this will help investigators with the cases that other conventional techniques cannot address. Brass, C. (2011). Investigating the future: Lessons from the "scene of the crime". The Futurist, 45(6), 47-50. The article explores the practice of crime scene investigators, bringing out the similarities this has with the practice of futurists. Both crime scene investigators and futurists are interested in learning more about a place and time they are unfamiliar with. These also use different techniques and tools that are highly sophisticated in order to see their knowledge expand. Overall, the focus of the article is on the practice of crime scene investigators, including some of the rules that these professionals must adhere to. This article offers important knowledge on what entails the practice of crime scene investigation. A starter in this area can get important background and basic information on the practice of crime scene investigation. This is also handy for criminal justice practitioners and administrators. This might come in as a reminder of the various rules that they must follow in their practice. Additionally, this enlightens on the relationship between crime scene investigators and futurists, proving that there are many resemblances. References Brass, C. (2011). Investigating the future: Lessons from the "scene of the crime". The Futurist, 45(6), 47-50. Bogdan, T. (2009). Forensic Techniques in Crime Scene Investigation – The Psychological Autopsy. Acta Universitatis Danubius No. 1/2009: 38-46. Gottschalk, P., & Solli-Saether, H. (2010). Computer Information Systems In Financial Crime Investigations. The Journal of Computer Information Systems, 50(3), 41-49. Grubbs, T. (2014). Preserving Crime Scene Evidence when Treating Patients at an MCI. Journal of Emergency Medical Services. Nechita, E. A., & Iancu, N. (2012). The tactics of hearings in the case of crimes against patrimony. Journal of Politics and Law, 5(3), 39-47. Read More