The Science of Criminal Investigation between Theory and Practice in Slovenia

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of Slovenian definitions of the terms science of criminal investigation and criminal investigation, division of science of criminal investigation, comparison of the use and understanding of selected terminology in the field of science of criminal investigation in theory and practice, and the connection between theory, practice and the environment. The findings of the research indicate that most of the analysed terms are similarly understood in theory and practice, which indicates that theory and practice are connected, and in concert. The results point out that the science of criminal investigation deals with crime detection, investigation, evidence collection and reduction of crime. By recognising criminal investigation strategy as an independent field (along with investigative tactics, criminalistics and methodology of criminal investigation), the science of criminal investigation became fourfold. For further development of science of criminal investigation, more intensive connections between theory and practice are needed, as well as giving more attention to planned research, where positive results are brought about by research teams consisting of theoreticians and practitioners who provide additional breadth in dealing with criminal investigation problems. Research should focus on all four fields of science of criminal investigation, criminal intelligence, the use of science of criminal investigation in work of prosecutors, judges and lawyers, good investigative practice, and the theoretical issues of the science of criminal investigation, which is not given enough attention in Slovenia. Therefore, in the future, it is necessary to study science in criminal investigation, scientific research methods in this field, relationship of science of criminal investigation to other disciplines, principles of criminal investigation, criminal investigation as a gnoseological process, the truth, criminal investigation thinking, and particular investigative acts that are analysed within the framework of investigative tactics (i.e. planning, versions, clues, crime scene investigation, house search, etc.).