Modern game

[Riotopsys]

Any character gen tips for persons wanting to play the morally delinquent?

[welsh]

Moral deliquents- that would be the thieves. My thief group are your Usual Suspect types.

Ok, so might as well do this group then. We can begin these character creations by looking at the criminal types offered by the 1920s investigator's companion.

I will be using a system based on the film HEAT and alluded to in Usual Suspects. I have not yet decided if our thieves will have already overcome their collective action problem and have become a team. If so, they work with an agent- a rather shadowy criminal individual who is, essentially, a high priced fence. He will help the group find jobs and provide logistics and intelligence support for a commission- a share of the job's profits. There would be other links- lawyers, dealers, and other underworld connects. That said, our group is not affiliated to the mafia- you can't trust the mafia.

Unlike the cops, these guys are international in scope. They utilize the ease of international transportation to go from one place to the other with relative ease. Because they do high priced jobs they start with significant individual capital- they have numbered bank accounts and will slip away to Bora Bora between jobs, live well and then come out to do another job.

That said, in terms of skills and specializations- they will present a mixed lot. Most will be specialists in some skill or ability.

We can assume-

So lets start with character stats- they would start with 110 points to be dispersed as necessary.
These guys would be fairly intelligent but not necessary well educated. So Ed would be between 12-18. Other skills you disperse as you will.

Some character types?

All criminals would start with handgun of at least 30%

Infilitrator/Recon- a person capable of breaking into a house- Architecture 15%, Climb 50% Conceal 30% Disguise 25%, Electronics or Electronics Repair 20%, Jump 35%, Listen 35%, Locksmith- 35%, Photography 20%, Sneak 30% Spot Hidden 30% Trade Craft 25% + 2 of 3 other skills.

Demolitions Expert- It's less about whether to use C4, but how much? Carpentry 20% Conceal 30%, Chemistry 25%, Demolitions 30% Hide 25%, Locksmith 25% Physics 25% Signals 25%, Tradecraft 20% + other skills including Mechanical Repairs, Electronics or Electronics Repair, Signals.

Case Man- This is a jack of all trades, not unlike a CIA Case Officer- Conceal 30%, Credit Rating 30%, Fast Talk 30% Locksmith 25%, 2 Other Languages +15%, Psychology 25%, Spot Hidden 30% and any of the three- Bargain, Hide Listen, Martial Arts, Photography and Sneak.

Hacker- because sometimes you need to break some computer code- Accounting 25% Architecture 15%, Computer Use 50%, Cryptology/ Codes 25%, Electronic Repair 25%, Electronics 25% , Forgery 15%, Library Use 35% Spot Hidden 30% + 3 others (probably tradecraft)

Researcher- Deep reserarch gives the intelligence that keeps you from getting killed. Computer Use 35%, History 35% Law 35% Library Use 50%, 1 Other Languages 25%, Spot Hidden 35% + 3 specializations (Art History)

Negotiatior/Undercover- A con man can get you places others can's. Anthropology 20%, Computer Use 20%, Disguise 40%, Fast Talk 35%, Forgery 30%, Listen 35%, 1 Other Language 20% Persuade 25%, Spot Hidden 30%, Trade Craft 25% +3 others (Bargain?). Immune to fast talk or persuade, even psychology is ineffective unless user knows conman well

Heavy- Time for some uber violence? lets say 75 points spread among firearms and another 50 over Hand to Hand. Conceal 25% Demolitions 20% Dodge +10%, Drive Auto 40%, First Aid 40%, Forgery 10% Hide 20% Martial Arts 20% Military Science 20% Sneak 35% Spot Hidden 30% Survival 20%, Throw 30% and Tradecraft 20% + Other skills- including specialized weapons garrote? flamethrower? heavy weapons? Str and Dex should be high- 14-18 for such characters.

Gambler- This is a professional gambler, hiding his motives and taking risks. The gambler is also an observer of human nature and a reader to 'tells'. Gambler- Accounting 25%, bargain 25%, 35% conceal, Credit Rating, 25% Disguise 20%, fast talk 20%, listen 40%, persuade 25%, psychology 25% spot hidden 40% - +2 to POw for luck

Forger- Not just money, but this could include passports and other documents. counterfeiter- accounting 25%, art 40%, bargain 25%, conceal 25%, craft 40%, spot hidde 35% persuade 20% psychology 20% Pluse art (drawing) 20% art engraving 20% , plus knowledge of inks, paper, printing processes.

Prostitute- The art of seduction may get you into strange beds. Bargain 35%, Conceal 25%, Disguise 35%, Fast Talk, First Aid 35%, Forgery 10% 20%, Hide 20%, Persuade 25% Psychology 30% Seduction 25%. +1 App.

Cleaner- The one who cleans up the mess left behind. Not to be confused with the hitman (who may be referred to in slang as a cleaner), the cleaner may be considered the one who returns to the scene of a crime to clean up slip-ups - Accounting 20% Computer Use 20% Conceal 20% Disguise 20%, Electrical Repair 20% Fast Talk 20% Forensics 30% Handgun 40% Hide 20%, Hyponosis 10% Law 20% Listen 30%, Locksmith 20%, Mechanical Repair 20% Persuade 20%, Psychology 15%, Sneak 20% Spot Hidden 30% Survival 20% Tradecraft 25%

Hitman- When you need to kill someone badly. 100 points to firearms 50 points to hand-to-hand skills, Disguise 25%, Electric Repair 15%, Forensics 10% Hide 20%, Listen 30%, Mechanical Repair 25%, Medicine 20%, Pharmacy 15% Psychology 20% Sneak 25%, Survival 20% Track 20%, Tradecraft 20%- Can also utilize special weapons.

This is kind of preliminary, but I will think on it a bit more.

edits here- reduced some of the points for the Heavy.

[welsh]

murder investigation links-
http://faculty.ncwc.edu/toconnor/315/315lect10.htm
http://www.nmsoh.org/homicide_investiga ... cklist.htm

This one from the NYPD - is pretty grim stuff. Might need a sanity check!
http://www.homicidesquad.com/

Also this article-
http://www.practicalhomicide.com/articles/phi.htm
is cut and pasted here-

Professional Homicide Investigation: A Personal Perspective

By Vernon J. Geberth, M.S., M.P.S.
Former Commander, Bronx Homicide, NYPD

©1995 Vernon J. Geberth, Practical Homicide Investigation
Law & Order, March 1995

Return to Research Materials


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The world of the homicide detective is permeated with human tragedies which involve a variety of sudden and violent death scenarios. Many of these events, which are seemingly beyond the comprehension of the average person, reveal motivations and patterns of repetition which are recognized by experienced detectives. They become keenly aware of the reality of death and the impact it has on both society and the surviving family.

In fact, we in homicide have a mission. Our mission is to bring justice to the deceased and their surviving family. We do this by conducting a professional investigation which results in the identification and apprehension of the killer and the successful prosecution of the case.

Professional homicide investigators first concentrate on the mechanical aspects of the death, i.e. motives and methods, wound structures, crime scene reconstruction, the cause, manner and time of death as well as other factors that provide clues to the dynamics of the event. They learn to deal with death in a clinical manner by not projecting a personality into the body.

My way of dealing with the reality of sudden and violent death is a strong belief in God and a belief in a higher order of things in our existence. My theology informs me that there is an afterlife and I believe that the soul of the murder victim has left the body.

In order to function effectively, it is imperative that detectives develop a strong ego defense mecha-nism which provides an isolation of affect by means of intellectualization. This allows the investigator to focus and concentrate on the dynamics of the event and not become emotionally involved in the crime.

A professional homicide investigator is a "Truth Seeker." He is not opinionated, tainted with prejudice or prone to prejudgment.

There is a need for patience and flexibility in homicide investigation. A professional practitioner cannot have a "lock-and-load" mentality. He must have a flexible personality that is open to new sugges-tions, ideas and concepts that arise in these fluid types of investigations. The detective looks for consistencies as well as inconsistencies and must bc prepared to change the focus of the investigation as new information is developed.

There is a profound duty and awesome responsibility in dealing with the surviving family in the murder investigation process. It is the homicide detective who encounters the reality of sudden and violent death and then must deal with the emotions and dynamics of the surviving family, guiding the family through a complicated and confusing criminal justice system that is devoid of human compassion.

This explains why homicide detectives, unlike criminal defense attorneys, do not view criminal proceedings as a "game." While defense attorneys engage in legal chicanery, maneuvers, and machinations to cloud the issue or create reasonable doubt, thereby relegating the real victims to the sidelines, murder cops are deadly serious.

Although police officers are painfully aware of the inequities of the criminal justice system, most people outside the law enforcement community are not prepared for a system that punishes the innocent by protecting the guilty. Many survivors experience outrage as the homicide case progresses through a system which tends to protect the accused, while completely ignoring the victim.

While judges and attorneys ponder endlessly over the minute technical issues of the case and the rights of the accused, the surviving family is oftentimes left completely out of the process which adds to their feelings of helplessness and frustration.

This is why it is important that detectives develop and maintain an understanding of the dynamics and principles of professional homicide investigation. In fact, the homicide detective, in addition to pursuing the case, becomes the advocate for both the deceased and the surviving family throughout the process.

Death investigation is a heavy responsibility, and as such, no person, system, nor circumstance should deter you from the truth and your own personal commitment to see that justice is done. Not only for the deceased, but for the surviving family as well.

That is why my personal philosophy as a murder cop is, "Remember: We work for God."

Lt. Cmdr.(Ret.) Vernon J. Geberth, M.S., MPS, BBA

New York City Police Department

Domestic violence-
http://www.justicewomen.com/cj_investigate_guide.html

[Raiko]

I've decided that I'll have to drop out of this game, I'm sorry as I'm sure I'd really love it.

Unfortunately I'm really really busy, both at work and at home, and I've already spoiled the start of two games (Dark Harvest and Where Byakhee's Dare) with my slow initial posting. I don't want the same thing to happen in this game. I'd rather bow out now, while Welsh isn't waiting on my character.

I'm even struggling to find enough time to keep up the pace in my own two games, and I definitely don't want to let my players down.

I hope that you all have a great time without me, as I say I'm very sorry to have to drop out.

[welsh]

Hey Raiko-

Don't sweat it. At this point the game is still in planning. At best we can run a mini adventure before December and then do the whole campaign thereafter. In otherwords, you can still join later- especially as I expect the body count will be high.

[welsh]

More stuff of bad guys-

1920's Investigators Companion involves extensive discussion of badguys.

Here is a summary of those occupations including skills and bonuses.

For our campaign we will include the immunity for sanity loss due to violence for those players in "violent" professions. I will also honor sanity loss and phobias for individuals engaged in regular application of coercive violence. However, I will not honor the education deductions. I suspect those are really a statement on class society in America in the 1920s and less about careers in the modern age. When a person can go to law school, becomes a CEO and engages in practices of embezzelment, support civil/ethnic wars and profit from the murder of thousands- such individual may be slightly insane, but they are certainly well educated. So no education deductions for criminals.

Bank robbers- - club, conceal, drive auto , firearms , fist/punch, grapple, headbutt, kick, knife.
Immunity to sanity loss from violence to humans. Begin with 10+1d6 loss of sanity points + secret phobia.

Thug- club, conceal, drive auto/truck, firearms, fist/punch, grapple, head butt, kick, knife.
Immunity to sanity loss from violence to humans. Begin with 10+1d6 loss of sanity points + secret phobia

Burglar- conceal, climb, hide, jump, listen, locksmith, sneak, spot hidden. – 4 to Edu 20 points added to Spot hidden.

Con man- bargain, disguise, fast talk, listen, persuade, psychology, spot hidden.
Immune to fast talk or persuade, even psychology is ineffective unless user knows conman well

Fence- accounting, bargain, conceal, credit rating, fast talk, persuade psychology. – 4 to edu.

Forger- counterfeiter- accounting, art, bargain, conceal, craft, spot hidden persuade psychology. Plus art (drawing) art engraving, plus knowledge of inks, paper, printing processes.

Gambler- Accoutning, bargain, conceal, fast talk, listen, persuade, psychology spot hidden - +2 to POw for luck

Gangster- Bargain, club, conceal, drive auto, firarms, fist/punch, grapple, head butt, kick, knife, persuade, psychology. – 6 to Edu Immunity to sanity loss from violence to humans. Begin with 10+1d6 loss of sanity points + secret phobia

Hitman- bargain, club, conceal, firearms, fist punch, grapple head butt, kick, knife, sneak, hide.
-6 to EDU. Immunity to sanity loss from violence to humans. Begin with 20+1d6 loss of sanity points + 1d2 secret phobia

Hooker/Prostitute- Bargain, Conceal, Fast Talk, Hide, Persuade Psychology. +1 App, -2 Edu.

Pick pocket- Conceal, fast talk, hide, listen, sneak, spot hidden, -4 to Edu.

[welsh]

Editing the badguy careers. Again, these are starting points for these characters assuming they start as experienced individuals. You add your skill points as you wish.

I have edited Heavy, added forger, prostitute, hitman, cleaner, gambler.

Remember- these characters are career criminals and with some experience. The question may have much to do with the appropriate fit to the crimes.

[welsh]

Article on Crime scene investigation at a homicide-

Practical Homicide Investigation®
The Preliminary Investigation at the Scene: The Detectives©

Article by Vernon J. Geberth, M.S., M.P.S.
Practical Homicide Investigation: Tactics, Procedures, and Forensic Techniques.
Law and Order Magazine, Volume 54, No 9 September, 2006
Article has been expanded for research.

INTRODUCTION
This article provides the homicide investigator/detective with flexible guidelines to follow in the preliminary investigation of death. The principles set forth herein have been excerpted from Practical Homicide Investigation® and are intended to help the detective and chief investigator at the homicide crime scene to systematically check and review all the facts applicable to the investigation.

Many times over the years I have heard the expression how "luck and chance" play a significant role in the successful conclusion of a case. However, I personally believe that "luck and chance are the residue of design and established protocol. The tactics, procedures and forensic techniques specified within this article are designed to elucidate the elements of good fortune.

I believe that the professional investigator creates his or her own "luck and chance" through the systematic application of basic time-proven and traditional investigative methodologies, which have been utilized by law enforcement agencies throughout the years, coupled with an appreciation for and an understanding of the advances in forensic science as well as its application to the investigative process.

Prior to leaving for the scene, the investigator should instruct the person notifying him or her that patrol officers at the scene should; preserve the crime scene, hold all witnesses and/or suspects ,avoid using telephones located within the crime scene, initiate a personnel log accounting for all activities at the scene, including identification of all persons who have had access to the scene and record the license numbers and vehicle information of all autos in the area of the crime scene (if applicable)

A murder or suspicious death necessitates an established protocol to assure the preservation of the scene and the integrity of the evidence, which will be gathered during the inquiry. In reality the First Officer initiates the investigation and the detective then assumes control of the case upon arrival at the scene. (See Law and Order "First Officer Duties" September 2005).

Preliminary Steps to be taken by Detectives Upon Arrival CHECKLIST

Upon arrival ascertain boundaries. DO NOT move blindly into an area and always confer before acting. Decide how to approach the scene considering paths of entry and exit. Make sure you have conferred with the First Officer or Detective. Perform the "Initial Survey" and remember to have the First Officer escort you. Use this opportunity to develop a mental image and "absorb the crime scene" Ascertain whether or not fragile evidence is present and assure collection of these items. Prior to any crime scene process, take "Work Photos" to limit scene intrusion. You can utilize a digital or Polaroid® camera.

In addition, the investigator should stop and observe the area as a whole, noting everything possible before entering the actual crime scene for the detailed examination. Only the investigator and detective supervisor should enter the homicide crime scene, of course, with the exception of the first officers, and even then only to confirm death and observe scene conditions.

Homicide investigators must be certain to record the time and place of events and any measurable evidence. It only takes a few moments of the investigator's time to record this information, which may prove vital to the investigation. Basically, there are three reasons for this emphasis on preliminary note taking. The question of time is frequently the first subject covered in a cross-examination. If the investigator cannot be sure of the time of events, he may lose credibility on the rest of the testimony. The subject of time may very well be the basis of an alibi. Note taking forces the investigator to slow down. It thereby sets a calmer tone for subsequent events at the scene, and also causes the investigator to pay attention to details in order to record them in the notebook.

Describing the Scene

A complete description of the dead body and the surrounding area, covering the following items, should be entered in the notebook of the investigator upon arrival. Although some of the points I have listed may seem quite obvious, I can assure you from my own experience that the obvious is sometimes overlooked, especially during this initial phase, as you attempt to "cover all the bases." Record the sex, appearance, age, build, color of hair of the deceased and a description of the deceased's clothing. Record any evidence of injury and apparent cause of death. Are the bloodstains wet or dry? What is the condition of the body (lividity, rigor, etc.)? Describe the color of the blood (bright red or brown). Note any tears in clothing and evidence of gunshot or stab wounds. Conduct a careful examination of the hands. Are there any wounds or a weapon? Note whether or not there is any jewelry (rings, watches, gold chains, etc.). If there is no jewelry, make a negative notation. The defense has been known to resort to dirty tactics during trials. If they can make you appear like a thief to discredit your testimony, they'll do it.

Describe the immediate surroundings as well as the position of body in relation to articles in the room. Note doors, windows, furniture, etc. If a weapon is nearby, take detailed notes. Do not handle it. Look for bullet holes or fired shells. Note: do not collect at this stage of the investigation. In poison and drug-overdose cases, note presence of drugs, bottles, or glasses.

Implementing Crime Scene Procedures

The first thing the investigator should do after confirming death is to take charge of the crime scene. In the absence of the detective supervisor, the homicide detective is responsible for the professional investigation, of which the preliminary investigation at the crime scene is the most important and sensitive aspect. When I instruct my classes I always remind the detectives in attendance to practice what I call "Crime Scene Etiquette." Basically, as a detective you are there to reinforce the First Officer's duties and assure Crime Scene Protection. Yet, at the same time you want to take charge in a manner that encourages cooperation and teamwork. A simple expression such as, "Hi I'm detective so and so and I assume you are the First Officer Could you please give me a quick briefing and then show me what we have and assure that I don't disturb anything?" Who could get mad or putout with that introduction? You have already acknowledged that the First Officer is in charge. You are about to assume responsibility for the investigation. You have deferred to the First Officer's official position and acknowledged that he or she has the most current information on the event and have indicated by stating, "Show me what we have," indicating that everyone present is working on the case.

At this point you are present to evaluate the entire crime scene and surrounding area. During this crucial preliminary assessment you rely on your personal experience to make adjustments accordingly. You may decide to expand the perimeter of the crime scene. You may decide to add additional scenes or you may cause the immediate collection of evidence.

Therefore, extreme care must be exercised to preserve and protect the scene, because even the smallest detail can suddenly assume vital importance in the case. Failure to implement proper crime scene techniques may irreparably damage the investigation. I have found that the best course of action is to treat each dead-body call like a criminal homicide until the facts prove differently.

If the crime scene is outdoors, a wide area surrounding the body should be cordoned off for later systematic examination. The patrol officers should be directed to isolate the body and secure the immediate surroundings from all persons.

If the crime scene is indoors, the job of securing the location is relatively easy to accomplish. It may be as simple as closing the door. The biggest problem is removing unauthorized persons from the scene. The investigation should begin with the walkway and front entrance to the structure. These areas and the location where the body lies should be considered part of the scene and appropriately secured.

The Teamwork Approach

The detective supervisor and homicide investigator are faced with a crime of the utmost gravity, one that is fraught with a complexity of possible motives and methods and a variety of physical evidence. Therefore, teamwork is required for a successful homicide investigation, and it is the detective supervisor and homicide investigators who must set the tone for this teamwork approach as they coordinate the different people involved in the responsibility of the inquiry into death, for example: the patrol service or uniform division, the detective division and other homicide detectives, the medical examiner or coroner, the crime scene technicians or fingerprint experts, the District Attorney, medical and ambulance personnel and other agencies such as the FBI if the homicide involves a federal employee.

Directing the Investigation at the Scene

Homicide investigators should attempt to obtain all pertinent information from the first officer - out of the hearing of any witnesses, the press, or the public - before taking charge of the investigation. As mentioned earlier, the detective should confirm the fact of death for himself. The investigator must also see that the duties of the first officer have been accomplished.

Preliminary Interview of the First Officer

The detective must ascertain that the scene is intact - that nothing has been added or removed since the arrival of the responding police. To determine this he goes directly to the first officer. A preliminary interview with the first officer can provide an up-to-date appraisal of the crime scene as well as an assessment of what has transpired since the discovery of the body.

The homicide investigators should obtain a detailed account of what the officer or officers have seen and done. Usually, the officers will offer an opinion as to cause, manner, and circumstances of death. Investigators should receive these opinions objectively and graciously. However, they should not allow themselves to be influenced prior to making their own observations. Often the first officers' opinions provide a valuable lead in the investigation. In keeping with the teamwork principle, give credit where credit is due. If a patrol officer's performance at the scene is outstanding or proves instrumental in solving the investigation, I personally recommend that an official report be forwarded to the officer's commander. This report should be initiated by the detective supervisor at the scene and sent through channels so that this officer will receive proper recognition.

When interviewing first officers, emphasis should be placed on their activities in the immediate area of the crime scene - for example, how they gained entry into the scene, the position of the body on arrival, things they may have touched or moved, condition of the doors and windows, odors, whether the lights were on or off, etc. It may prove valuable to have first officers document their activities and observations on official reports. In addition, I recommend that the investigator assigned to interview the first officers prepare an official report for review by the patrol officer to assure that it is correct, and then have the officer sign the investigator's report which will become part of the homicide investigation.

I have found that it is a good idea to keep the first officers at the scene to answer any questions about the appearance of certain objects when they arrived. In addition, they can report any observations of persons who were in the area when they arrived or who expressed some interest in the activities of the police.

Duties of the Detective Supervisor on Arrival at the Scene

The detective supervisor or chief investigator, upon arrival, will assume the responsibility for conducting the homicide investigation and will replace the initial investigator as the ranking officer in charge of the case.

It is extremely important that the detective supervisor and the homicide investigator not permit themselves to fall into a fixed routine. Previous experience is invaluable but can become a hindrance when allowance is not made for new possibilities.

Remember, each homicide case is distinct and unique and may require a fresh approach or perspective. Keep an open mind.

Practically speaking, no one at this stage of the investigation has all the answers, nor can anyone know for sure exactly what direction the case will take. However, the investigators should be guided by certain basic procedures at the scene.

Ascertain that there is an investigator at the scene, and that the crime scene is amply protected. Confer with the investigator and be brought up to date on the status of the investigation. Solicit any opinions or theories and objectively evaluate these with your independent observations. Determine any investigative needs and make assignments as necessary.

Confer with the ranking uniformed officer at the scene, and interview the first officer so that proper instructions can be given to responding investigators. Priority should be given to the removal of the suspect and/or witnesses to the police station. Each witness should be transported separately. However, before they are transported, the investigators at the scene should briefly interview the witnesses so that they may have the advantage of the witnesses' observations to guide their investigation at the scene. Written statements can be obtained later on at the police station and the information transmitted back to the detective supervisor at the scene.

Use an assignment sheet to indicate assignments as given. This sheet should contain he identification of officers assigned, the location of the assignment, the duties assigned, and the time the assignment was given. Later on it can be used as a control device to assure that official reports are obtained from the investigators assigned. In addition to fixing responsibility for certain investigative duties, the assignment sheet will eliminate duplication of effort as additional assignments are made and put on the sheet.

If a suitable communications center or command post has not been established by the patrol officers, the investigator or supervisor should take immediate steps to arrange for one. The station house, Communications Division, and the detective command should be apprised of the telephone numbers of the command post to facilitate rapid communication to and from the scene.

Designate an officer to keep a running timetable of events, including arrivals and departures at the scene. When the scene is released, the timetable should be turned over to the detective supervisor.

If the victim has been removed to the hospital, insure that proper action is being taken at the hospital regarding any dying declarations, clothing, evidence, etc.

It is advisable to have a detective contact the hospital and confer with the patrol officer and/or doctor. It may even be necessary to assign a detective to assist the officer in these procedures.

If the suspect has fled the scene, the investigator and detective supervisor must ascertain exactly what alarms have been transmitted, if any, and the exact information contained therein. Upon verification and the development of any new information, these alarms should be retransmitted.

Provide for the dissemination of information to all units involved in the homicide investigation. Ideally, all investigators should be aware of all aspects of the case. It is up to the detective supervisor to coordinate and disseminate this information to the "troops." Properly informed officers can better perform their own assigned functions and contribute more intelligently to the overall effort. This is especially true for those officers assigned to conduct canvasses. Uniformed officers assisting at the scene must also be made to feel that they are part of the team.

On occasion, too many officers respond to the homicide crime scene. The detective supervisor should not hesitate to direct these officers to return to their original assignments if they are not needed.

CONCLUSION

The homicide crime scene is, without a doubt, the most important crime scene a police officer or investigator will be called upon to respond to. Because of the nature of the crime, death by violence or unnatural causes, the answer to what happened can only be determined after a careful and intelligent examination of the scene. The preliminary investigation conducted at the scene by the detectives will provide for the intelligent and effective retrieval of evidence paramount to the successful conclusion and prosecution of the case.

"Remember, Do it right the first time. You only get one chance©."
Geberth, Law and Order 1980

This an other articles found here-
http://www.practicalhomicide.com/research.htm

[Raiko]

Thanks Welsh, we'll see how it goes then, as I said I really would like to be in this game.

I suspect that my difficulty getting time to post from home has more to do with the school summer holidays than anything else. My children are staying up late, and my 'internet time' at home tends to be after they've gone to bed. School starts again in September, so hopefully I'll have more time then.

I'll sort out my character, and then I'll see if I've more time once the kids are back at school.

[tweek]

I'd love to play anything in the campaign. Let me know!

Thx

[welsh]

I will. But again, this game is still in planning stages, so don't be too impatient.

[Mr. Handy]

I might have to bow out of this one too. I have more time for the next two weeks, but it doesn't look like the game will start during that time, and after that I won't have so much any more.

If I do play, I might end up playing a homicide detective instead of a thief. I hadn't considered it before since initially you had said there would only be 1-2 and both slots were taken right away, but since there could be up to 4 this is now a possibility. The first article by Vernon Geberth is good reading, though I haven't had a chance to read the second one yet. I actually know some homicide detectives, as well as commanders. I'm a civilian computer programmer working for the police department, and I've worked with them to create a statistical database program and other useful applications. They're great people.

[welsh]

No worries. As mentioned, I might not kick this one out for quite awhile yet. THere's a bit of planning going on. I won't start in the next two weeks for sure. In fact I am thinking of joining one or two campaigns.