The current role and contribution of “behavioural investigative advisers” (BIAs) to criminal investigation in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Purpose The present study aims to examine the scope and contribution of behavioural investigative advice (BIA) reports from the National Crime Agency (NCA). Design/methodology/approach The 77 BIA reports reviewed were written between 2016 and 2021. They were evaluated using Toulmin’s (1958) strategy for structuring pertinent arguments, current compliance with professional standards, the grounds and backing provided for the claims made and the potential utility of the recommendations provided. Findings Consistent with previous research, most of the reports involved murder and sexual offences. The BIA reports met professional standards with extremely high frequency. The 77 reports contained a total of 1,308 claims of which 99% were based on stated grounds. A warrant and/or backing was provided for 73% of the claims. Most of the claims in the BIA reports involved a behavioural evaluation of the crime scene and offender characteristics. The potential utility of the reports was judged to be 95% for informative behavioural crime scene analysis and 40% for potential new lines of enquiry. Practical implications The reports should serve as a model for the work of behavioural investigative advisers internationally. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to systematically evaluate BIA reports commissioned by the NCA; it adds to previous similar studies by evaluating the largest number of BIA reports ever reviewed, and uniquely provides judgement of overall utility.

Developing Typologies of Adult Arson in the Aotearoa New Zealand Context

“…They are the preliminary typologies that function as building blocks for the more practical, task-oriented investigative and explanatory typologies. Investigative typologies focus on factors proximal to offending, such as crimescene behaviours and offence information, and aim to create classificatory categories that can direct information gathering, decision-making, and profiling of criminal behaviour for police and fire investigations (Howman et al, 2021;Salfati, 2021;Sigurdardóttir et al, 2023).…”

“…Individuals behind Thrill-Seeking incidents, because they are more likely to have engaged in firesetting previously, may already be known to police or other investigative authorities (Canter & Fritzon, 1998). This information may critically inform the scope of searches for suspects and allow investigators to link potentially serial cases based on the available crimescene features (Alison et al, 2010;Salfati, 2021;Sigurdardóttir et al, 2023).…”