Work

Understanding the role of case management systems in criminal investigations

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Case management systems (CMSs) are essential to modern criminal investigations but remain underexplored compared to systems for predictive policing and digital forensics. This study examines how investigators use CMSs, which capabilities remain insufficient, and how these systems can better support their work. Through interviews with practitioners across European jurisdictions, we identify an investigative workflow of six concurrent dimensions and propose a two-tier model distinguishing preparation and exploration for knowledge discoveries. While CMSs effectively manage actions and decision-making, critical gaps persist for knowledge discovery, such as text analysis, hypothesis testing, and information retrieval. We derive functional requirements by workflow dimensions, offering guidance on which capabilities should be embedded in core systems and which are better delivered as modular services. These findings inform the design of CMSs that combine stable infrastructure with flexible tools.

Source: International journal of law, crime and justice

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlcj.2025.100805

Authors: Mads Skipanes, Johannes Pippidis Lorentzen, Sule Yildirim Yayilgan

Institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Artificial Intelligence in Law

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,380