Introduction
At the U.S. federal level, there are approximately forty investigative agencies, large and small, each within a department or agency and with specialized investigative jurisdiction. The responsibilities and activities of these agencies are defined by federal statutes and agency regulations. In all, they employ more than 70,000 people to investigate violations of federal law within the purview of their ministry or agency. Although these investigative bodies have different tasks and jurisdictions and operate largely independently of one another, there is an active exchange of information between them. All persons involved in U.S. investigations can be divided into two broad groups. The first is the police officers themselves, who have certain ranks and have taken a military oath. The second group includes civilian professionals, most often working for private investigation companies. Police officers and personnel of the Ministry of Justice are known to be sufficiently qualified and equipped to clarify the circumstances of cases of any complexity, but their work is not always sufficient. The work of civilian investigators is a necessary counterbalance to the work of specialists.
Discussion
The work of police investigators has several advantages, most of which are related to good technical equipment. Sworn specialists have great technology when dealing with evidence. Moreover, such a group of people has an extensive database. Another positive aspect of police officers’ engagement is related to the fact that the latter have permission to use weapons during complex investigations involving criminal groups (Fulginiti et al., 2019). In dangerous circumstances, such specialists can work more effectively, since the practice of armed work is a large part of their professional experience.
The negative side of police work is that they may use power, which it can be detrimental to the impartiality of the results of investigations. Often the actions of such specialists can be combined with the interests of others, in which case the activities of civilian specialists can act as a good counterbalance. The disadvantages of police officers are particularly acute in cases involving suspects.
The benefits of recruiting civilian specialists include a higher level of impartiality. Moreover, their activities are tied to more flexible schedules, which allows them to solve investigative problems more quickly. The disadvantage is that such specialists have limited resources. If specific information from classified databases is needed, civilians have difficulty obtaining it (Iv, 2020). Florida has a mixed system of case management, which can involve many different types of personnel. However, there are two divisions within the police system itself, including the Highway Patrol and the Crime Investigation Division (Florida Department of Police). Thus, in the state, the task of enforcing traffic laws and investigating traffic accidents is performed by the Florida Highway Patrol Service. The second model is also characterized by the creation of separate police agencies to carry out law enforcement functions in those areas that are most relevant to the territory. Personal experience has shown that it is most convenient to involve professionals of both types. In the courts, the opinions of both are equally credible and authoritative.
Conclusion
Thus, the analysis of the investigative activities of different employees allows us to conclude that it is necessary to involve both civilian and civilian professionals. Their work helps the system of jurisdiction to provide the necessary balance and limits to exceeding authority. In what situations priority should be given to the work of sworn officers or civilian investigators depends on the specifics of the case and the timing.
References
Fulginiti, L. C., Hartnett-McCann, K., & Galloway, A. (2019). Forensic anthropology and the United States judicial system. Wiley.
Iv, J. L. F. (2020). System failure: A critique of the judicial system of the United States. Independently published.