CITP EXAM 1 CORE KNOWLEDGE
HANDBOOK 2026 INFORMATION SYSTEMS
AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS OVERVIEW
◉ Vision of the ATF
Answer: A world-class law enforcement organization committed to
safeguarding lives by protecting the public from violent crime
◉ Values of the ATF
Answer: People, Partnerships, Justice
◉ The ATF was originally formed as the...
Answer: Department of Treasury
◉ Step 1 of Criminal Investigation
Answer: Case Initiation - Start the Investigation
◉ How do you begin a case?
Answer: - Private referrals (citizens)
- Proactive Agent
,- Development (internet, newspaper)
◉ What is the second step in conducting a criminal investigation?
Answer: Assessing the Allegations
◉ What are the aspects of Assessing Allegations in a Criminal
Investigation?
Answer: - examining the validity of the source
- detailing all violations that occur
◉ What is the third step in conducting a criminal investigation?
Answer: Creating an Investigative Plan
◉ What is an investigative plan in regards to Criminal Investigation?
Answer: - Flexible guide or method of approach
- constantly evaluated and revised
- may be handwritten or documented with agency specific forms
- needs to identify the players (suspects, victims, witnesses)
◉ What is the fourth step in conducting a criminal investigation?
Answer: Conducting the investigation safely
, ◉ What does M.O.M. stand for in a criminal investigation?
Answer: M - Motive
O - Opportunity
M - Means
◉ List investigative techniques and procedures
Answer: - Interviews
- Public Records
- Informants
- Surveillance
- Undercover work
- Crime scene processing
- Mail covers
- Trash pulls
- Search warrants
- Computer forensics
◉ What is the fifth step in a criminal investigation?
Answer: Writing Investigative Reports
◉ What is the sixth step in a criminal investigation?
Answer: Referral to the AUSA
HANDBOOK 2026 INFORMATION SYSTEMS
AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS OVERVIEW
◉ Vision of the ATF
Answer: A world-class law enforcement organization committed to
safeguarding lives by protecting the public from violent crime
◉ Values of the ATF
Answer: People, Partnerships, Justice
◉ The ATF was originally formed as the...
Answer: Department of Treasury
◉ Step 1 of Criminal Investigation
Answer: Case Initiation - Start the Investigation
◉ How do you begin a case?
Answer: - Private referrals (citizens)
- Proactive Agent
,- Development (internet, newspaper)
◉ What is the second step in conducting a criminal investigation?
Answer: Assessing the Allegations
◉ What are the aspects of Assessing Allegations in a Criminal
Investigation?
Answer: - examining the validity of the source
- detailing all violations that occur
◉ What is the third step in conducting a criminal investigation?
Answer: Creating an Investigative Plan
◉ What is an investigative plan in regards to Criminal Investigation?
Answer: - Flexible guide or method of approach
- constantly evaluated and revised
- may be handwritten or documented with agency specific forms
- needs to identify the players (suspects, victims, witnesses)
◉ What is the fourth step in conducting a criminal investigation?
Answer: Conducting the investigation safely
, ◉ What does M.O.M. stand for in a criminal investigation?
Answer: M - Motive
O - Opportunity
M - Means
◉ List investigative techniques and procedures
Answer: - Interviews
- Public Records
- Informants
- Surveillance
- Undercover work
- Crime scene processing
- Mail covers
- Trash pulls
- Search warrants
- Computer forensics
◉ What is the fifth step in a criminal investigation?
Answer: Writing Investigative Reports
◉ What is the sixth step in a criminal investigation?
Answer: Referral to the AUSA
