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1 – 10 of over 12000Aliyu Abubakar Lawan and Pekka Henttonen
This study aims to examine the connection between the integrity of records and the effectiveness of anti-corruption investigations. The objective is to determine how the quality…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the connection between the integrity of records and the effectiveness of anti-corruption investigations. The objective is to determine how the quality of records affects the efficiency of anti-corruption investigations.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a qualitative, exploratory case study approach, with data collected through interviews with 15 anti-corruption investigators in 2020 in Nigeria. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
The results indicate that the efficiency of anti-corruption investigations depends on the quality of the evidence. Proper recordkeeping, which maintains the integrity of records, is crucial for efficient anti-corruption investigations. Inadequate recordkeeping practices that do not adhere to the lifecycle concept are often driven by corruption and can significantly hinder the efficiency of anti-corruption investigations by causing delays in obtaining crucial evidence.
Originality/value
From a records management perspective, this study highlights the impact of unreliable evidence on every corruption investigation effort and the motives behind rendering the process unproductive. Accountability forums must enforce adherence to proper recordkeeping procedures to ensure the desired investigative outcomes with minimal resources, time and effort to combat corruption.
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Widura Abd Kadir, Umi Asma’ Mokhtar and Zawiyah M. Yusof
This study aims to conduct an analysis of the strategy used by Royal Malaysian Police in auditing investigation records and information.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to conduct an analysis of the strategy used by Royal Malaysian Police in auditing investigation records and information.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative methodologies were used based on the pragmatic philosophy and a case study approach.
Findings
This paper discusses the strategy for auditing the investigation records and information (AIRI), which includes the pre-auditing (input), auditing (process) and post-auditing (output) phases that will be used to develop the AIRI framework.
Research limitations/implications
This study focuses on auditing investigative records and information that may not be universally applicable to all organisations.
Practical implications
The implications arising from this paper are those related to the need to understand, promote and implement auditing of records and information in organisations.
Originality/value
This study presents an opportunity and establishes the foundation for enhancing and broadening the scope of information auditing, a crucial component within the records and information management (RIM) life cycle.
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Kirsty Bennett and Jason Roach
The purpose of this study is to explore the review mechanisms’ efficacy from the perspective of cold case reviewers. Live homicide review mechanisms at the 7- and 28-day stage of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the review mechanisms’ efficacy from the perspective of cold case reviewers. Live homicide review mechanisms at the 7- and 28-day stage of an inquiry seek to prevent the case becoming cold (or unsolved) by ensuring lines of inquiry have been suitably identified and progressed. There is also a requirement to ensure the investigation was not swayed by faulty decision-making or cognitive biases. However, the use of the review processes in preventing unsolved cases is unclear, and not subject to much academic discussion.
Design/methodology/approach
This exploratory study explores the review functions through the lens of cold case detectives, currently reviewing unsolved cases to identify progression opportunities. The study uses data from a seven-month, non-participatory observation period with a two-force collaborative cold case unit and 13 semi-structured interviews with cold case review officers. The observations and interviews were simultaneously analysed adhering to an inductive approach to Thematic Analysis.
Findings
The results show procedural guides (e.g. the Major Crime Investigation Manual) are important quality assurance mechanisms for review officers, helping ensure the appropriate and necessary lines of inquiry have been pursued. However, they were keen to emphasise the importance of intuition in progressing cases but felt continuously hindered by a lack of resources and large numbers of applicable cases. To the best of the authors’ knowledge this study is the first exploration of cold case detective’s experiences of the live review processes and how they may pose challenges in case progression for cognitive errors and biases. While the study has identified some challenges facing review officers in nine police forces across the UK, wider examination of policies, practices and mechanisms should be explored to develop the current procedural guidance (e.g. NPCC, 2021).
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge this exploratory study is the first exploration of cold case detective’s experiences of the live review processes and how they may pose challenges in case progression for cognitive errors and biases. While the study has identified some challenges facing review officers in nine police forces across the UK, wider examination of policies, practices and mechanisms should be explored to develop the current procedural guidance (e.g. NPCC, 2021).
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Introduction: The ethical implications of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) profiling or DNA fingerprinting or forensic genetics in criminal investigations have gained significant…
Abstract
Introduction: The ethical implications of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) profiling or DNA fingerprinting or forensic genetics in criminal investigations have gained significant attention worldwide. In India, DNA profiling in criminal investigations has increased over the years. However, the ethical considerations of DNA profiling in India have yet to be examined adequately.
Purpose: The study aimed to examine the ethical considerations of DNA profiling in India and compare them with international guidelines. By examining the ethical considerations of DNA profiling in India, this study seeks to contribute to the ongoing discourse on the responsible use of DNA profiling in forensic investigations.
Methodology: The study used a qualitative research design, and data were collected by reviewing relevant literature and laws.
Findings: The findings indicate that the Indian legal framework has gaps in addressing the ethical considerations raised by international guidelines, such as the admissibility of DNA evidence in court, oversight of DNA laboratories, safeguards against discrimination, and privacy and confidentiality protections.
The comparative analysis highlights the need for strengthening the legal framework in India, adopting best practices from international guidelines, and incorporating safeguards to protect against discrimination and ensure the privacy and confidentiality of individuals. By adopting these recommendations, India can ensure that DNA profiling is conducted ethically and responsibly, promoting public trust in the criminal justice system and upholding the rights of all individuals.
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Arianna Barbin, Anna Gekoski, Kari Davies and Miranda A.H. Horvath
Several studies have been conducted to understand why the conviction rate for rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO) remains so low. Increasing pressure and criticism have led…
Abstract
Purpose
Several studies have been conducted to understand why the conviction rate for rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO) remains so low. Increasing pressure and criticism have led to questioning why improvements in RASSO investigations are proving ineffective. The purpose of this study was to capture police officers’ perspective of police specialism while investigating RASSO.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 82 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data collection spanned across two years, from October 2021 until May 2023, and included police officers from four police forces in England and Wales. Template analysis was used to identify recurrent patterns around police specialism for RASSO.
Findings
Most officers viewed specialism as a tool to improve how police forces prevent and tackle RASSO. In spite of this, the lack of prioritisation of specialist training, roles and units specifically for this crime type has hindered the development of evidence-based practice in policing. The impact on well-being, resources, organisational support and role identity has been explored.
Originality/value
This is the first qualitative study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to look at officers’ insights on police specialism for RASSO in England and Wales. Officers discussed day-to-day challenges associated with conducting RASSO investigations while reflecting on potential advantages related to dedicated specialist units and/or specialist roles.
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Aliyu Abubakar Lawan and Pekka Henttonen
This study aims to investigate the specific difficulties involved in implementing electronic recordkeeping for anti-corruption investigations in Nigeria. It recognises the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the specific difficulties involved in implementing electronic recordkeeping for anti-corruption investigations in Nigeria. It recognises the importance of technological advancements in such investigations and the need for efficient, internationally recognised services, especially in a country where manual processes are prevalent.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a qualitative, exploratory case study approach. Data were gathered through interviews with 15 anti-corruption investigators in Nigeria in the year 2020 and analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
This study identified two main challenges: resistance to adopting technological change and indifference towards information technology.
Originality/value
This study highlights the transformative potential of technology, specifically cloud computing and forensic technology, in an investigative context. By intentionally integrating technology, existing deficiencies can be addressed, investigative processes can be streamlined and a culture of accountability can be cultivated. It contributes to ongoing discussions and emphasises the capacity of technology to drive significant transformation in the pursuit of integrity and justice.
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This study aims to assess the effectiveness of forensic accounting techniques to prevent and detect fraudulent activities in firms in Pakistan.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of forensic accounting techniques to prevent and detect fraudulent activities in firms in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
A descriptive research approach has been adopted in this study. Primary data has been collected through structured questionnaires distributed to professionals from investigating firms, professional bodies and field researchers. The independent variables that were analyzed included fraud investigation, litigation support and dispute resolution, whereas the dependent variables were fraud detection and prevention. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences has been used for data analysis to derive objective results.
Findings
This research reveals that forensic accounting techniques such as fraud investigation, litigation support and dispute resolution have a positive impact on fraud detection and prevention in Pakistani firms.
Practical implications
Firms should train staff on forensic accounting techniques, implement fraud risk management and anti-corruption policies, conduct regular financial statement audits and develop a whistleblower protection program to encourage employees to report fraudulent activities. The government should develop regulations and guidelines to promote the use of forensic accounting in firms.
Originality/value
This study is covering the gap in literature on financial fraud and forensic accounting practices concerning emerging economies such as Pakistan. This study can serve as a valuable resource for firms and policymakers to strengthen their fraud prevention efforts and build a more robust culture of financial integrity.
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Tinna Dögg Sigurdardóttir, Adrian West and Gisli Hannes Gudjonsson
This study aims to examine the scope and contribution of Forensic Clinical Psychology (FCP) advice from the National Crime Agency (NCA) to criminal investigations in the UK to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the scope and contribution of Forensic Clinical Psychology (FCP) advice from the National Crime Agency (NCA) to criminal investigations in the UK to address the gap in current knowledge and research.
Design/methodology/approach
The 36 FCP reports reviewed were written between 2017 and 2021. They were analysed using Toulmin’s (1958) application of pertinent arguments to the evaluation process. The potential utility of the reports was analysed in terms of the advice provided.
Findings
Most of the reports involved murder and equivocal death. The reports focused primarily on understanding the offender’s psychopathology, actions, motivation and risk to self and others using a practitioner model of case study methodology. Out of the 539 claims, grounds were provided for 99% of the claims, 91% had designated modality, 62% of the claims were potentially verifiable and 57% of the claims were supported by a warrant and/or backing. Most of the reports provided either moderate or high insight into the offence/offender (92%) and potential for new leads (64%).
Practical implications
The advice provided relied heavily on extensive forensic clinical and investigative experience of offenders, guided by theory and research and was often performed under considerable time pressure. Flexibility, impartiality, rigour and resilience are essential prerequisites for this type of work.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to systematically evaluate forensic clinical psychology reports from the NCA. It shows the pragmatic, dynamic and varied nature of FCP contributions to investigations and its potential utility.
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Patrick Strobl, Katharina Voelkel, Thomas Schneider and Karsten Stahl
Industrial drivetrains use wet disk clutches for safe and reliable shifting. Advances over the past decades regarding the formulation of lubricants and the composition of friction…
Abstract
Purpose
Industrial drivetrains use wet disk clutches for safe and reliable shifting. Advances over the past decades regarding the formulation of lubricants and the composition of friction materials have led to reliable clutch systems. In this context, the friction behavior is crucial for the correct operation of the clutch. Nevertheless, the friction behavior and its influencing factors are still the object of modern research. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the choice of the steel disk influences the noise vibration and harshness (NVH) behavior of wet industrial clutches.
Design/methodology/approach
To investigate the influence of the steel disk on the friction and NVH behavior of industrial wet disk clutches, experimental investigations with relevant friction systems are conducted. These tests are performed at two optimized test rigs, guaranteeing transferable insights. The surface topography of the steel disk and the friction lining are measured for one friction system to identify possible relations between the surface topography and the friction behavior.
Findings
The steel disk can influence the friction behavior of wet disk clutches. Using a different steel disk surface finish, corresponding results can show differences in the shudder tendency, leading to a nonfavorable NVH behavior – different gradients of the coefficient of friction over sliding velocity cause this phenomenon.
Originality/value
This work gives novel insights into the friction and NVH behavior of industrial wet disk clutches. It supports engineers in the optimization of modern friction systems.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-02-2024-0054/
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Trish - Oberweis, Abigail Keller and Michael Lewis
In the absence of new funding dedicated to cold case investigation, innovation is required.
Abstract
Purpose
In the absence of new funding dedicated to cold case investigation, innovation is required.
Design/methodology/approach
The number of unresolved homicides in the USA has surpassed a quarter million, and the figure grows by thousands every year. Homicides that do not yield a quick arrest are time and labor intensive. This creates a staffing and resource dilemma for law enforcement administrators, as allocating time for older cases comes at the expense of investigating current ones, and vice versa.
Findings
Universities offer the enthusiastic labor of college students to “defrost” cold cases. One such partnership has been in place for nearly three years in an unusual collaboration between a state police agency and a regional state university. Small groups of students systematically organize, review and present case files. They create investigative recommendations and prioritize cases by solvability. Investigators can then select a case that may be relatively close to an arrest, access the case details very quickly and have the investigative recommendations as a place to begin a renewed investigation. Additionally, cases that are appropriate for new forensic testing or new forensic tools are identified and advanced.
Originality/value
Partnerships such the one described here are rare but lucrative. We recommend new collaborations like ours to reduce the number of unresolved homicide cases.
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