O detetive híbrido: inovação tecnológica e tradição na investigação criminal The hybrid detective - technological innovation and tradition in criminal investigation

In this paper we explore the narratives of the Portuguese Criminal Investigation Police (Policia Judiciaria) about surveillance and identification aimed at crime suspects. Through an interpretive and qualitative theoretical-methodological perspective, we aim to understand the views of these agents concerning police practices of criminal investigation. The application of scientific knowledge and the technology to criminal investigation requires a reflection of its impacts. Despite the potential use of science and technology in criminal investigation, we face a set of obstacles that shows the limits of this scientificization process. The new technologies of collection and use of information about suspects and convicted offenders complement the traditional means of criminal investigation, thus creating a hybrid figure of detective.