Financial and identity crimes are becoming more complex and time consuming to investigate. Frequently, these investigations can be overwhelming and intimidating for law enforcement officers. This often tempts officers to resolve quickly any obligation to the victim and move on to simpler work. It may be human nature for people to gravitate toward areas where they feel comfortable and where they are more confident of doing a good job, but such actions do a disservice to the victim, the agency, and the community. In truth, financial and identity crimes are some of the easiest investigations to work. There is ample evidence and documentation available for those who know where to look. In addition, financial and identity crimes have some of the highest solvability and prosecution ratios for officers. This article shows how effortless it can be for officers to gain support and understanding on these investigations.

Rarely does a police officer have direct support or assistance on an investigation. Officers are expected to act independently, making the best use of limited resources to complete their investigations. Each event is unique, and although officers receive general training, they often have to rely on their best judgment to resolve a situation. Training can take officers only so far. Ideally, they need someone who can assist throughout the course of the investigation, offering support and evidence as needed. It is time for officers to meet their new partners: financial investigators.