The Effects of Investigative Checklists on Initial Burglary Investigations in Virtual Reality

• In Event: Using Simulation to Train & Study the Police (Sponsored by the Division of Policing)

Abstract

In this presentation, we test the effect of investigative checklists on evidence collection during initial investigations by patrol officers. The effect of investigative checklists is studied using an experimental design and virtual reality simulation. Participants were recruited from a large, midwestern police department. Treatment patrol officers were provided an investigative checklist to use during a routine burglary call for service in a virtual reality simulation (n = 26) and control officers were not (n = 25). We find that the investigative checklists did not impact the collection of DNA, footprints, and evidence left at the scene by the offender, but had a substantial impact on evidence that required collection outside the victimized home. We discuss the promise of investigative checklists for police investigations and provide recommendations on future research.

Authors

• Cory P. Haberman, University of Cincinnati

• J.C. Barnes, University of Cincinnati

• Ming Tang, University of Cincinnati

• Bradley O'Guinn, University of Cincinnati

• Clay Driscoll, University of Cincinnati

• Calvin Proffit, University of Cincinnati