Criminologists have devoted surprisingly little attention to criminal investigation issues. This is understandable given the difficulties faced when performing empirical research into this subject. Getting access to confidential data from police and security services and disclosing such findings in scientific publications remains a challenge.
However, knowledge about investigative practices and their effects is essential for current debates about the legitimacy of new investigative methods and related privacy violations. This special issue contains contributions from authors who were able to connect research and science with criminal investigation practices. The contributions concern relevant topics, such as interrogation methods, social network analysis in criminal investigations, investigation of terrorist activities, sexual offenses, and private investigations. With these contributions, this special issue illustrates how empirical research into criminal investigation practices can be executed, and what new insights this provides.