OVM2601
ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
, OVM2601 Assignment 2 2025
QUESTION 1
1.1 Name and discuss the factors that can assist an investigator to trace a
suspect(s).
(22 marks)
1. Witness Statements – Witnesses can provide critical information such as
descriptions, names, or last known locations of suspects.
2. Informers and Confidential Sources – Individuals from within the criminal
community or general public may supply useful leads.
3. Crime Scene Evidence – Forensic evidence (e.g., fingerprints, DNA, or
shoeprints) can point investigators toward a suspect.
4. Surveillance Footage – CCTV and private security footage may capture the
suspect’s identity or movements.
5. Mobile Phone Data – Analysis of call records, GPS data, or texts can locate or
associate suspects with a crime scene.
6. Social Media and Internet Activity – Suspects often leave digital traces that
can reveal their identity, location, or motive.
7. Modus Operandi (MO) – Identifying patterns in how the crime was committed
may link the act to a known offender.
8. Victimology – Studying the victim’s background can lead to potential suspects
who had motive or opportunity.
9. Criminal Records and Databases – Fingerprints, facial recognition, or other
biometric data can be cross-referenced in law enforcement databases.
10. Community Engagement – Public appeals and community policing efforts can
generate tips or identify suspects.
11. Financial Transactions – Credit card use, ATM withdrawals, or bank activity
may lead investigators to a suspect.
ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
, OVM2601 Assignment 2 2025
QUESTION 1
1.1 Name and discuss the factors that can assist an investigator to trace a
suspect(s).
(22 marks)
1. Witness Statements – Witnesses can provide critical information such as
descriptions, names, or last known locations of suspects.
2. Informers and Confidential Sources – Individuals from within the criminal
community or general public may supply useful leads.
3. Crime Scene Evidence – Forensic evidence (e.g., fingerprints, DNA, or
shoeprints) can point investigators toward a suspect.
4. Surveillance Footage – CCTV and private security footage may capture the
suspect’s identity or movements.
5. Mobile Phone Data – Analysis of call records, GPS data, or texts can locate or
associate suspects with a crime scene.
6. Social Media and Internet Activity – Suspects often leave digital traces that
can reveal their identity, location, or motive.
7. Modus Operandi (MO) – Identifying patterns in how the crime was committed
may link the act to a known offender.
8. Victimology – Studying the victim’s background can lead to potential suspects
who had motive or opportunity.
9. Criminal Records and Databases – Fingerprints, facial recognition, or other
biometric data can be cross-referenced in law enforcement databases.
10. Community Engagement – Public appeals and community policing efforts can
generate tips or identify suspects.
11. Financial Transactions – Credit card use, ATM withdrawals, or bank activity
may lead investigators to a suspect.
