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While I wait for callbacks, I thought now would be a good time for a short thread (sorta) on some on some of the challenges police, particularly detectives, face while investigating homicides in a city that has a pretty good amount. #AskACopReporter
A common complaint I hear from the public, mostly the families of victims, is that police aren't working hard or fast enough to catch the bad guys. But many people don't realize the long, hard work that can come with building a case strong enough to make it to #bondcourt.
SOME CASES ARE EASIER: Let's start with the best case scenario. Cops have an "easier" time when important evidence is readily accessible. I'll use the recent case of Mamadou Balde who was shoved between a subway car and dragged to his death as an example. https://bit.ly/2XTI7sj
Investigators were quickly aided by CTA surveillance, train platform witnesses and cops in the area who immediately recognized the two suspects from prior encounters. Video/witnesses can go a long way in moving an investigation along. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
NO WITNESSES/DESCRIPTIONS: While the additions of POD cams, #Shotspotter, and plate readers have helped police in locating suspicious vehicles/people, many homicides occur without witnesses or photo/video evidence. Cops often respond to scene with a body and little else.
FEAR OF COOPERATING: It's an old tale, but some cases hit a snag when it comes to finding RELIABLE witnesses. Obvs, gang slayings bring a fear of retaliation that is as old as the neighborhoods. The recent case of Treja Kelley shows why some stay silent. https://bit.ly/3cFqKjg
I'd also like to cite the death of two teens who were executed by chums in August 2018. Many people knew of the killing and the suspects by name. But it took months of pressure from the families and police to get them to come forward. https://bit.ly/3aqEi0g
Crime scenes can be tricky as sometimes the gunman or associates skulk about afterwards to see what police are doing and who they're talking to. It's also common for suspects and witnesses to leave town when things get a little too hot, which can hamper a case indefinitely.
EVIDENCE CAN TAKE A WHILE TO GET BACK:
Fingerprints, ballistics, DNA or phone data that can lead to a suspect can take days to years to get back. With phone/social media data, a court order is sometimes needed to gain access if a family member doesn't have the proper login info.
Fingerprints, ballistics, DNA or phone data that can lead to a suspect can take days to years to get back. With phone/social media data, a court order is sometimes needed to gain access if a family member doesn't have the proper login info.
SOME DETECTIVES MORE SKILLED/LUCKIER
Not an attack, but it should be noted that some detectives have more skill/experience in building a case. I've heard cases floundering only to be quickly solved by cold case dicks who located a witness or evidence the prior team didn't find.
Not an attack, but it should be noted that some detectives have more skill/experience in building a case. I've heard cases floundering only to be quickly solved by cold case dicks who located a witness or evidence the prior team didn't find.
PASSING FELONY REVIEW
Lastly, before felonies are filed, they must pass the muster of the state's atty's felony review unit. They will ask for certain conditions before filing charges. Is the witness statement solid? Did the suspect confess on video? How firm is the evidence?
Lastly, before felonies are filed, they must pass the muster of the state's atty's felony review unit. They will ask for certain conditions before filing charges. Is the witness statement solid? Did the suspect confess on video? How firm is the evidence?
Also, is there video of the crime? Not meeting all the conditions could mean additional weeks investigating to solidify the case to felony review's satisfaction.
So here are some things you avid crime watchers should keep in mind going forward...
So here are some things you avid crime watchers should keep in mind going forward...
Is there good video of the crime?
Are there reliable/willing witnesses?
How fast will the evidence come back from the lab?
Hope this is helpful for all you amateur sleuths. Other crime reporters/cops feel free to chime in with your observations.
Are there reliable/willing witnesses?
How fast will the evidence come back from the lab?
Hope this is helpful for all you amateur sleuths. Other crime reporters/cops feel free to chime in with your observations.
