__smbhome.uscs.susx.ac.uk_ellenaj_Desktop_SRO_Dando %26 Ormerod 25_7_17 Final Decision-Logs Human Factors 125_ July 17 2017.pdf (2.1 MB)
Analysing decision logs to understand decision-making in serious crime investigations
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-21, 06:02 authored by Coral J Dando, Thomas OrmerodThomas OrmerodObjective: To study decision-making by detectives when investigating serious crime through the examination of Decision Logs to explore hypothesis generation and evidence selection. Background: Decision logs are used to record and justify decisions made during serious crime investigations. The complexity of investigative decision-making is well documented, as are the errors associated with miscarriages of justice and inquests. The use of decision logs has not been the subject of an empirical investigation, yet they offer an important window into the nature of investigative decision-making in dynamic, time-critical environments. Method: A sample of decision logs from British police forces was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively to explore hypothesis generation and evidence selection by police detectives. Results: Analyses revealed diversity in documentation of decisions that did not correlate with case type, and identified significant limitations of the decision log approach to supporting investigative decision-making. Differences emerged between experienced and less experienced officers’ decision log records in exploration of alternative hypotheses, generation of hypotheses, and sources of evidential enquiry opened over phase of investigation. Conclusion: The practical use of decision logs is highly constrained by their format and context of use. Despite this, decision log records suggest that experienced detectives display strategic decision-making to avoid confirmation and satisficing that affect less experienced detectives. Application: Potential applications of this research include both training in case documentation and the development of new decision log media that encourage detectives, irrespective of experience, to generate multiple hypotheses and optimize the timely selection of evidence to test them.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Human FactorsISSN
0018-7208Publisher
SAGE PublicationsExternal DOI
Issue
8Volume
59Page range
1188-1203Department affiliated with
- Psychology Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2017-11-14First Open Access (FOA) Date
2017-11-14First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2017-11-14Usage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedKeywords
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC