This film is an instructional film made for new recruits by the West Yorkshire Police.  The film explains in depth all the stages in the process of investigating a crime.  It does so through a dramatization of a robbery and murder, from initial conception to appearing in court.  The film was shot on location in Wakefield. The film begins with the narrator stating that “this is a film about crime and criminals,” and that the purpose of the film is to explain to entrants to the police service...

This film is an instructional film made for new recruits by the West Yorkshire Police.  The film explains in depth all the stages in the process of investigating a crime.  It does so through a dramatization of a robbery and murder, from initial conception to appearing in court.  The film was shot on location in Wakefield. The film begins with the narrator stating that “this is a film about crime and criminals,” and that the purpose of the film is to explain to entrants to the police service certain of the techniques employed in the investigation of homicide and other major crimes. Two men with criminal backgrounds are preparing for a crime as they walk over a bridge, looking down onto small building, British Waterways at Stanley Ferry, next to a river.  As the manager leaves the depot, the night watchman locks the gates.   One of the criminals steals a Ford Consul car, and, driving off into the night, he picks up his mate outside Cleggs clothing store.     They drive past the Locarno Mecca club.  They climb into the yard and break into the window of the offices using a pen knife.  The men blow open the safe and take the money out as the night watchman, having heard noise, comes to see what is happening.  The night watchman arrives and is knocked to the ground, unconscious, allowing the burglars to escape.  The clock shows 1.28 am.  One of them throws something into the river as they run across the bridge to their car.  A workman notices their car, and the milkman notices them as they arrive at their destination in the early hours of the morning. A workman arrives at the British Waterways depot and, noticing the gates locked, climbs in and discovers the night watchman dead on the floor.  He rings 999 and a police arrive in a black Austin A10.  One officer examines the body and crime scene while the other interviews the person who found the body.  They ring back to the station and the CID officer is informed by phone at his home.  A doctor confirms that the man is dead.  The chief detective inspector arrives and examines the crime scene, which is being managed by police officers.  Police dogs, a pathologist and cameraman arrive, and an officer records all activity to provide continuity of evidence.  A murder operations room has been set up. The details of the investigation are gone through, including showing the fingerprint officer and forensic scientist at work.  A plaster cast is made of the tyre mark left by the criminals.  Information on the crime is circulated throughout the police force and to the Criminal Records Office.  There is a press report.  Frogmen search the nearby river and the nearby grounds are given an intensive finger search, and mine detectors are also used.  Police officers go from house-to-house with a questionnaire.  They check local dry cleaners.   The dead body is examined by the pathologist.  Officers are kept up to date on the enquiry and all information is checked and filed at the murder room.  The milkman who saw the criminals provides an identikit impression. Specimens found at the crime scene are examined in a laboratory.  The police pick up a suspect and search his house.  They find evidence and the suspect is cautioned and arrested.  He makes a statement at the police station, after again being cautioned.  He is then given information for all who are placed in custody.  A picture of his accomplish is sent out by wire.  The suspect is taken to the police station dealing with the investigation and he is charged.  The police check all the places where the other suspect usually frequents, pubs, clubs etc.  The case arrives in court and the film runs through all of the evidence. Titles – Produced by the West Yorkshire Constabulary Director – Det. Supt. Thomas H. Hayton Photography –  Det. Chief Insp. Rex Matthews, A.I.I.P., A.R.P.S. Sound – Det. Sergeant Morris Smith Commentary –  Ian Mottershaw, Esq. The characters portrayed are serving members of the police. Title – The End.