The book provides a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of current and future challenges in criminal investigation carried out by the police in the UK. It is the first work to link investigative current influences on policing and the evidence-based agenda and considers the competing agendas of professionalisation and austerity.The book traces the development of the detective, and discusses their training and education. Investigative decision-making is also analysed, together with the legal framework within which modern detectives work and how much of this they should understand. This important textbook is suitable for policing and criminal justice programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level by providing a comprehensive analysis of the research-based evidence.