This study examines the utility of the MMPI-2 in predicting responsibility in pre-trial forensic patients, using a post hoc sample of 94 offenders from Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital in Gauteng. Firstly, the overall characteristics of the pre-trial forensic patients are discussed, following an analysis of demographic, clinical, criminal and MMPI-2 pre-trial data, as well as an overview of the Megargee typological classification of offenders. The sample is classified into Criminally Responsible (CR), Diminished Criminal Responsibility (DCR) and Not Criminally Responsible (NCR), and the CR and DCR groups are collapsed (CR/DCR) for many of the analyses when comparing them to the NCR group. Secondly, the variance of variables with responsibility is discussed, after examining one-way ANOVA’s of demographic, clinical, criminal and MMPI-2 variables, as well as an overview of high point pairs. Thirdly, discriminant analyses were conducted of demographic, clinical and MMPI-2 variables. When comparing the collapsed CR/DCR group to the NCR group, psychiatric diagnosis, presence of psychosis, the MMPI-2 Pa and Es scales, as well as race and substance abuse each had unique predictive power and created a substantial discriminative equation (F (6,70) = 45.732, p <0.0005) with a successful prediction rate of 96%. Using only MMPI-2 variables to predict responsibility showed significant unique contributions for the Pa, Es, MAC-R and Mf scales, with the BIZ scale not quite significant, and a fairly significant overall discriminant equation (F (5,73) = 6.474, p < 0.0005), with an overall successful prediction rate of 82%, with the MMPI-2 variables adding an additional 3% to the predictive power of the demographic and clinical variables. Similarly, when examining the more complex 3 group responsibility classification of CR, DCR and NCR, it was found that the demographic, clinical and MMPI-2 variables of psychiatric diagnosis, psychosis, race, substance abuse, and the Pa, Es and Ma scales all had significant contributions to a powerful discriminant analysis (F (14, 136) = 19.758, p < 0.0005) that was capable of correctly reclassifying almost 95% of the sample, and the MMPI-2 variables providing an increase in predictive power of 8%. Differences in responsible and not responsible pre-trial forensic patients are discussed, as well as the role of the MMPI-2 in assessing these differences, and the fact that it is highly likely that it adds more to the forensic assessment of responsibility than a 3% (CR/DCR versus NCR) or 8% (CR versus DCR versus NCR) increase in predictive power. Limitations of the study are discussed, together with recommendations for future research with the MMPI-2 for assessment of criminal responsibility. The suggestion is made that the MMPI-2 can become a valuable tool in South African forensic settings, not only in the assessment of responsibility and malingering, but also in the placement, management, follow-up and treatment of offenders, to maximize the limited resources in South Africa allocated for the rehabilitation of offenders, and minimize the risk of recidivism or rehospitalization.

This dissertation presents the social virtual interface (SVI) model, which was born out of a need to develop a viable model of the complex interactions, information flow and information seeking behaviors among undercover officers. The SVI model was created from a combination of various philosophies and models in the literature of information seeking, communication and philosophy. The questions this research paper answers are as follows: 1. Can we make use of models and concepts familiar to or drawn from Information Science to construct a model of undercover police work that effectively represents the large number of entities and relationships? and 2. Will undercover police officers recognize this model as realistic? This study used a descriptive qualitative research method to examine the research questions. An online survey and hard copy survey were distributed to police officers who had worked in an undercover capacity. In addition groups of officers were interviewed about their opinion of the SVI model. The data gathered was analyzed and the model was validated by the results of the survey and interviews.

Although dominant effects of tasks on individuals' information-seeking behavior is accepted by many scholars, a limited number of studies has been conducted to reveal the nature of the relationship between tasks and information-seeking behavior. In their studies, some earlier researchers categorized tasks according to their complexity while others did the same according to the specifications of tasks. Two of the groundbreaking researchers in this area are Katriina Byström and Kalervo Järvelin who contributed to the understanding of the relationship between task complexity and information-seeking behavior. However, their findings also need empirical support for theory growth. In response to this need, this study attempts to test Byström and Järvelin's findings through a research using different research methods and applied in a police work environment. Other than providing empirical support for theory growth, this research is also expected to contribute to the understudied area of police information-seeking behavior. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from the participants who came from traffic, homicide, and anti-terrorism divisions of Ankara, Eskisehir, and Kirikkale Police Departments in Turkey. The participants identified terrorism cases as the most complex cases to solve, followed by homicide and traffic accident cases. Differences in the information-seeking behavior of three groups of police officers were examined through qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Oneway ANOVA technique and post hoc comparisons were used to analyze the quantitative data. In addition to shedding light on information-seeking behavior of police officers investigating related cases in Turkey, the results provided support for Byström and Järvelin's findings. For instance, the officers investigating more complex tasks used significantly more information sources than the others, while the use of external information sources was significantly higher in more complex cases.

[ES] Esta tesis presenta un análisis profundo y soluciones innovadoras para los retos abordados en la Investigación Criminal (IC) y la Gestión de Emergencias (GE), con un enfoque particular en la colaboración interagencial y el manejo de datos en entornos complejos. La investigación comienza estableciendo la relevancia de una colaboración eficaz entre diversas agencias para el manejo efectivo de la información en la era digital, especialmente en el contexto de la IC y la GE. Se destaca cómo la proliferación del contenido digital y la generación masiva de datos han transformado estos campos, presentando tanto oportunidades como desafíos significativos. La tesis revisa exhaustivamente el estado del arte en estas áreas, identificando las principales limitaciones y posibilidades de desarrollo. Se analizan aspectos críticos como la gestión de la información, las tecnologías de Big Data (BD), la respuesta rápida en emergencias, la interoperabilidad y la colaboración entre agencias, y los desafíos tecnológicos en sistemas complejos. Asimismo, se exploran cuestiones como la gestión de datos heterogéneos, la escasez de recursos y formación y los desafíos asociados al volumen y complejidad de los datos. Respondiendo a estos desafíos, se propone una arquitectura innovadora que aborda la eficiencia e interoperabilidad de los sistemas actuales en la prevención y resolución de crímenes y en la GE. Esta arquitectura se adapta específicamente a las necesidades de los usuarios finales de los proyectos MAGNETO y ASSISTANCE, incorporando de manera eficiente diferentes componentes de software y empleando tecnologías como RMI, SOAP, REST, y JMS. Se enfatiza la transición hacia arquitecturas basadas en microservicios, utilizando un API Gateway para mejorar la modularidad y la escalabilidad. La aplicabilidad de esta arquitectura se demuestra en los proyectos MAGNETO y ASSISTANCE, donde se abordan retos específicos. MAGNETO, enfocado en la lucha contra el crimen, integra y analiza datos de diversas fuentes, mientras que ASSISTANCE se centra en la mejora de la Situational Awareness (SA) de los First Responders (FR) mediante la integración de tecnologías avanzadas como UAVs, robots, y sistemas de realidad virtual y aumentada. Ambos proyectos demuestran una mejora significativa en la colaboración interagencial y la efectividad en situaciones de emergencia y lucha contra el crimen. Finalmente, la tesis concluye con una reflexión sobre los logros obtenidos y plantea posibles áreas de investigación para el futuro. Se sugiere expandir la aplicación de la arquitectura a otros contextos, abordando barreras como la del idioma en la interoperabilidad y explorando la integración de tecnologías emergentes como la realidad aumentada y el IoT. Se pone el énfasis en la necesidad de continuar mejorando las capacidades de respuesta ante emergencias y la lucha contra el crimen en la era digital. La tesis representa un avance significativo en estos campos, proporcionando soluciones tecnológicas avanzadas y abriendo caminos para futuras investigaciones y desarrollos. / [CA] Aquesta tesi presenta una anàlisi profunda i solucions innovadores per als reptes abordats en la Investigació Criminal (IC) i la Gestió d'Emergències (GE), amb un enfocament particular en la col·laboració interagencial i la gestió de dades en entorns complexos. La investigació comença establint la rellevància d'una col·laboració eficaç entre diverses agències per al maneig efectiu de la informació en l'era digital, especialment en el context de la IC i la GE. Es destaca com la proliferació del contingut digital i la generació massiva de dades han transformat aquests camps, presentant tant oportunitats com desafiaments significatius. La tesi revisa exhaustivament l'estat de l'art en aquests camps, identificant les principals limitacions i oportunitats per a millores. S'analitzen aspectes crítics com la gestió de la informació, les tecnologies de Big Data (BD), la resposta ràpida en emergències, la interoperabilitat i la col·laboració entre agències, i els desafiaments tecnològics en sistemes complexos. També s'examinen problemes com la gestió de dades heterogènies, l'escassetat de recursos i capacitació, i els desafiaments associats amb el volum i complexitat de les dades. Responent a aquests desafiaments, es proposa una arquitectura innovadora que aborda l'eficiència i interoperabilitat dels sistemes actuals en la prevenció i resolució de crims i en la GE. Aquesta arquitectura s'adapta específicament a les necessitats dels usuaris finals dels projectes MAGNETO i ASSISTANCE, integrant eficaçment components de software diversos i utilitzant tecnologies com RMI, SOAP, REST, i JMS. S'emfatitza la transició cap a arquitectures basades en microserveis, utilitzant un API Gateway per a millorar la modularitat i l'escalabilitat. L'aplicabilitat d'aquesta arquitectura es demostra en els projectes MAGNETO i ASSISTANCE, on s'aborden reptes específics. MAGNETO, enfocat en la lluita contra el crim, integra i analitza dades de diverses fonts, mentre que ASSISTANCE es centra en la millora de la Situational Awareness (SA) dels First Responders (FR) mitjançant la integració de tecnologies avançades com UAVs, robots, i sistemes de realitat virtual i augmentada. Ambdós projectes demostren una millora significativa en la col·laboració interagencial i l'efectivitat en situacions d'emergència i lluita contra el crim. Finalment, la tesi conclou amb una reflexió sobre els assoliments obtinguts i proposa futures línies d'investigació. Es suggereix expandir l'aplicació de l'arquitectura a altres contextos, abordant barreres com la de l'idioma en la interoperabilitat i explorant la integració de tecnologies emergents com la realitat augmentada i l'IoT. S'emfatitza la necessitat de continuar millorant les capacitats de resposta davant emergències i la lluita contra el crim en l'era digital. La tesi representa un avanç significatiu en aquests camps, proporcionant solucions tecnològiques avançades i obrint camins per a futures investigacions i desenvolupaments. / [EN] This thesis presents an in-depth analysis and innovative solutions to the challenges faced in Criminal Investigation (CI) and Emergency Management (EM), with a particular focus on interagency collaboration and data management in complex environments. The research begins by establishing the importance of effective collaboration between various agencies for efficient information management in the digital age, especially in the context of CI and EM. It highlights how the proliferation of digital content and massive data generation have transformed these fields, presenting both opportunities and significant challenges. The thesis thoroughly reviews the state of the art in these fields, identifying major limitations and opportunities for improvements. Critical aspects such as information management, Big Data (BD) technologies, rapid response in emergencies, interoperability, and collaboration between agencies, and technological challenges in complex systems are analyzed. Issues such as the management of heterogeneous data, resource scarcity and training, and challenges associated with data volume and complexity are also examined. In response to these challenges, an innovative architecture is proposed that addresses the efficiency and interoperability of current systems in crime prevention and resolution and in EM. This architecture is specifically tailored to the end-user needs of the MAGNETO and ASSISTANCE projects, efficiently integrating various software components and utilizing technologies such as RMI, SOAP, REST, and JMS. The transition to architectures based on microservices is emphasized, using an API Gateway to improve modularity and scalability. The applicability of this architecture is demonstrated in the MAGNETO and ASSISTANCE projects, where specific challenges are addressed. MAGNETO, focused on combating crime, integrates and analyzes data from various sources, while ASSISTANCE focuses on improving the Situational Awareness (SA) of First Responders (FR) through the integration of advanced technologies such as UAVs, robots, and virtual and augmented reality systems. Both projects demonstrate significant improvements in interagency collaboration and effectiveness in emergencies and crime fighting. Finally, the thesis concludes with a reflection on the achievements obtained and proposes future lines of research. It suggests expanding the application of the architecture to other contexts, addressing barriers such as language in interoperability, and exploring the integration of emerging technologies like augmented reality and IoT. The need to continue improving response capabilities in emergencies and combating crime in the digital age is emphasized. The thesis represents a significant advancement in these fields, providing advanced technological solutions and paving the way for future research and developments. / Garrido Peñalver, VJ. (2024). Arquitectura de interoperabilidad para mejorar las capacidades de análisis de información y toma de decisiones [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/204259

The problem that the researcher encountered was that forensic investigators were found not to be formally using offender profiling as an investigative technique during investigations into fraud. This research was conducted to ascertain how offender profiling may be useful in expediting the forensic investigation process. The purpose of this research was to establish what offender profiling is, and what aspects or ingredients constitute such an offender profile. As offender profiles will serve as an aid in future forensic investigations into fraud, this study attempted to create an understanding and awareness of the value of offender profiling. In order for forensic investigators to use offender profiling during routine fraud investigations, it is extremely important that they understand the concept and its practical implementation. The overall purpose of this study is to provide practical recommendations for the implementation and use of offender profiling to forensic investigators both in the public and private sectors. / Criminal and Procedural Law / (M.Tech. (Forensic Investigation))

The problem that the researcher encountered was that forensic investigators were found not to be formally using offender profiling as an investigative technique during investigations into fraud. This research was conducted to ascertain how offender profiling may be useful in expediting the forensic investigation process. The purpose of this research was to establish what offender profiling is, and what aspects or ingredients constitute such an offender profile. As offender profiles will serve as an aid in future forensic investigations into fraud, this study attempted to create an understanding and awareness of the value of offender profiling. In order for forensic investigators to use offender profiling during routine fraud investigations, it is extremely important that they understand the concept and its practical implementation. The overall purpose of this study is to provide practical recommendations for the implementation and use of offender profiling to forensic investigators both in the public and private sectors. / Criminal and Procedural Law / (M.Tech. (Forensic Investigation))

This study explores the utilisation of the identification parade as a technique for the identification of suspects. The intention of the study is to empower the investigators with knowledge they can use during their investigations. An identification parade is the most common police identification procedure. When conducted properly, it is considered more accurate than other methods. Crime in South Africa is a serious concern and it impacts negatively on many lives. The fear of crime, the loss of life and the socioeconomic impact of crime, etc., create the impression that the battle against crime has been lost. The limited knowledge among the police investigators contributes to making the reduction of crime more difficult to achieve. This study aims to develop good practice by recommending new ideas on how identification parades should be conducted with the view to enhancing the performance of police investigators. / M.Tech. (Forensic Investigation))

The research attempts to establish how an identification parade should be conducted, for evidence derived from it to be admissible in court. To conduct effective investigation, it is important for investigators to be familiar with the concept “identification parade”, its purpose, the procedures to conduct it and its values. To achieve the goals and objectives of the practice of an identification parade, investigators must know how to conduct it, what the value of its evidence is, and how to use it as a technique to identify suspects. The direction, by implication, and clarification of the crime situation, is hardly possible without the determination of the identity of the perpetrator or suspect of a criminal act. The recognition of the identification parade as a form of evidence gathered is of the utmost importance. / Criminology / Thesis (M.Tech. (Forensic Investigation))

This study investigates the use of personal description as an investigation technique to identify suspects. The study entails qualitative data obtained from interviews with investigators, literature, as well as case studies. The study found that personal description can be used as an investigation technique to identify suspects. There are eight techniques that the investigator should apply in order to identify suspects or perpetrators of a criminal act. To conduct effective investigation, it is important for the criminal investigators to be familiar with the techniques of identification and the application thereof. The description of offenders plays an important role as far as arresting offenders is concerned. The methods used - or to be used - by investigators to describe a person were also discussed. It is important that the investigators should work with other government departments, private investigators and security officials, to implement this technique in order to identify and arrest offenders. / Police Practice / (M. Tech (Forensic Investigation))

The goal of this research was to determine the procedures used for conducting a search and seizure in a tax-related offence in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act, Act 51 of 1977. Aspects that cause problems for the South African Revenue Service (SARS) investigators are the application for a search warrant and the activities that take place before, during and after the search and seizure. An introduction, definition and explanation are given of certain key concepts such as forensic and criminal investigations, as well as their objectives and purpose. The various search methods are also discussed and explained as are the chain of custody and evidence in general. A large part of this research deals with the legal requirements for a search and seizure in a tax-related offence and encompasses issues such as the procedures for obtaining a search warrant, pre-raid briefing, conducting the search, and the seizing of, marking, storage and disposal of documents. The findings of the research are discussed and recommendations subsequently made regarding the shortcomings identified. The findings that were made related to the process and procedure to obtain a search warrant, the actual execution of a search and seizure and the legislation that authorises searches and seizures in taxrelated offences. Further findings were made in respect of the mandate of SARS criminal investigators to investigate, the admissibility of evidence obtained from a search and seizure and the marking, recording, storage and disposal of seized items. Recommendations were made regarding training, improved communication and skills transfer to address the shortcomings identified. / Police Practice / (M.Tech. (Forensic investigation))