Ivar Andre Fahsing

Capturing knowledge of police investigations: towards a research agenda

The purpose of this paper is to articulate a set of interlinked research propositions about knowledge management systems in relation to police investigations and in particular the possibilities of capturing the investigative knowledge inherent in how experienced police understand the investigative process. Moreover, the paper addresses missing links in the literature between ‘know‐what’ and ‘know‐how’ relationships between knowledge management systems and police investigations. A series of policy recommendations are also outlined in relation to this research agenda.

Investigative thinking and creativity: an empirical study of police detectives in Norway

This paper makes distinctions among four investigative thinking styles of detectives: method style, challenge style, skill style, and risk style. Based on previous research, this study empirically tested, to what extent there are cumulative relationships among these thinking styles. Furthermore, this research studied relationships between investigative thinking styles and creativity in police investigations. Significant relationships were found between the extent of the challenge and risk styles and the extent of creativity.

The making of an expert detective: the role of experience in English and Norwegian police officers’ investigative decision-making

ABSTRACT Biased decision-making in criminal investigations can impede or arrest the progress of justice. Previous research has not systematically addressed the effects of professional experience on the quality of detectives’ decision-making. Using a quasi-experimental design, this study compared the quality of investigative decisions made by experienced detectives and novice police officers in two countries with markedly different models for the development of investigative expertise (England and Norway). Participants (N = 124) were presented with two semi-fictitious cases and were asked to report all relevant investigative hypotheses and necessary investigative actions in each case. The quality of participants’ responses was gauged against a gold standard established by a panel of senior homicide experts. In the English sample, experienced detectives vastly outperformed novice police officers in the number of reported gold-standard investigative hypotheses and actions. In the Norwegian sample, however, experienced detectives did not perform any better than novices. We argue that English (vs. Norwegian) detectives may benefit more from professional experience due to their Professionalising Investigation Programme and a nationwide accreditation program, requiring them to engage in extensive standardized training, systematic evaluation and synchronized development. In contrast, Norway lacks such requirements. Methodological limitations and implications for police training and accreditation policies are discussed.

Managing police investigations by projects

Governments have become increasingly focused on setting targets to improve the efficacy of police performance. This paper attempts to make an important contribution to innovation and learning by introducing project management to police investigations in the framework of the value shop. First, a description of police investigations is provided. Next, police investigations are discussed in terms of the strategic value configuration of a value shop. Then, the characteristics of projects and the creation of project planning tools for police investigations are presented. Finally, project management in the police value shop and in the arena map is discussed.

Characteristics of effective SIOs: a content analysis for management in police investigations

The Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) is in charge of a criminal investigation in law enforcement. As the leader of a crime solving project, it has been argued that the SIO need investigative ability, crime knowledge as well as management skills. An empirical study in Norway was conducted, indicating that management skills are more important than crime knowledge and investigative ability. Furthermore, among management roles, the motivating role of personnel leader was found to be most important for effective SIOs.

Characteristics of effective detectives : a content analysis for investigative thinking styles in policing

In criminal investigations, detectives apply different thinking styles, such as method style, challenge style, skill style and risk style. In a survey in Norway, detectives were asked to list the five most important characteristics of effective investigators. This was done in a free format, requiring content analysis to categorise responses. Responses were categorised according to thinking styles. While creativity was the most frequently mentioned characteristic, content analysis shows that the skill style of detectives is the most effective thinking style. To be effective, detectives need to practice good empathic communication, open-minded curiosity, logical reasoning, creative thinking and dogged determination.

In search of police investigative thinking styles: an exploratory study of detectives in Norway and Singapore

In this paper, we argue that more research attention needs to be devoted to profile how investigators think when attempting to solve crimes and dismantle terrorist networks. Since 9/11, there is much activity focused on profiling criminals and terrorists but little on the other side of the investigative equation the detectives/investigators themselves. Therefore, the focus of this paper is to begin to address this gap in police-law enforcement-security knowledge by reporting the results of an exploratory factor analysis (n = 157) with a random sample of Norwegian and Singaporean police officers. Results indicated that a 3-factor solution of investigative thinking provided a strong fit for the data. The three underlying dimensions found are labelled in the paper as challenging proactivity (factor 1), procedural methodology (factor 2), and procedural professionalism (factor 3). Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed in the light of the findings for these three factors. The importance of this paper lies in its contribution to the burgeoning area of knowledge management as it relates to policing and law enforcement.