It is a service industry concept, which provides for the cross training of employees. Employees in various capacities are trained to assume different positions to allow for uninterrupted and continuos service. Criminal investigation is not a service industry. It is an essential and highly specialized function. Practically speaking, it takes at least one year for an officer to become somewhat familiar with investigation procedures and approximately two years before the officer effectively contributes to the operation.
Criminal investigation requires specialized skills and training.
In addition to proficiently operating special pieces of equipment, the detectives are required to learn effective interview and interrogation techniques, crime scene processing, evidence handling, report writing, documentation as well as proper court presentation of findings. Needless to say, periodically transferring these experienced investigators back to patrol is not only demoralizing to the members of the agency but is counterproductive to the professional investigative process. Time and experience are the best resources for the continuing education necessary in developing a proficient investigator. The skills that are eventually developed by an investigator need to be constantly applied in order for the agency to benefit from permanent assignment. For instance, sending a member to an Interview and Interrogation school and then not having that member utilize and practice the learned skills is not cost effective.