Question

What lessons can be learned from the DC sniper case? What happens when the profilers and analysts are that wrong? What techniques should investigators use to prevent from being blinded with tunnel vision?

Answer 1

• The heart of the investigation was grimly highlighted by the fact that law enforcement down there simply didn’t know what they were doing. The information should have been public so that even the people could have helped in the investigation including the help from the media could have been provided.
• Another lesson to be learned was, how the Total Information Awareness surveillance could have helped the police more quickly narrow the search to the suspect’s car. The computer system already existed 40 years ago that could have easily put out the list of the most suspicious vehicles in the wake of the shootings and roadblocks.
• If profilers are that wrong it could lead to wrong assumptions about the case,that law enforcers may be after someone who could be wrongfully accused of a crime they did not commit all because the profile points to them.
• The investigators should have a detailed description of the case and the criminals including various sources ranging from video recordings to eyewitness testimony.Investigations and prosecutions require permanent attention to prevent tunnel vision.
• Prepare,Inquire,analyze,document and report should be the protocol to be followed. It should be based on facts and only facts of the case.
• To overcome this barrier, police investigators should invest time at the outset of the interview to develop meaningful, personal rapport with the suspect.