Smart On Crime - Federal Investigations

In order to engender public confidence in the criminal justice system, it is imperative that the best possible evidence be available at trial, and that the procedures and practices used to obtain that evidence are designed to provide the most accurate results possible. A number of reforms could be employed on the federal level to enable more reliable investigations, curb wrongful convictions, and accurately identify the perpetrators of crime. The implementation of these reforms could be accomplished through legislation, executive order, or changes to agency policies and procedures.

The continuing improvement of existing federal investigatory procedure will not only serve to aid federal investigations, but will also provide a strong example to state and local jurisdictions which are also constantly seeking to improve their own criminal justice systems. It is therefore critical that federal practices provide both direction and resources to help ensure accuracy in the criminal justice system, from the investigative phase through post-conviction proceedings.