The Police Investigation

Once a crime has been reported to the police an officer will carry out an initial investigation. This will always happen, however a crime is reported.

The below information briefly outlines the many stages of a police investigation; from the initial investigation when a crime is first reported, to the further investigation and then whether that crime will end up going to court or not.

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Will my crime be investigated?

Every reported crime is investigated and looked at individually. This can be done in person or over the phone.

Further investigation

Further investigation is all about following the evidence and lines of enquiry. At this time the Police will be taking statements from the victim and any witnesses, which is a formal means of recording personal accounts of the crime.

What happens after the further investigation?

At the end of the investigation there are three main outcomes for the suspect(s). These are called Charging Decisions.

Do all criminal cases go to court?

Once an Offender has been identified / arrested / interviewed, Police can start to decide what appropriate action they may take against them.

Your rights as a victim or witness

If you’ve been a victim of crime you have the right to receive a certain level of service from the criminal justice system.

Victim’s Right to Review

Any victim in a qualifying case where a decision has been made not to prosecute or charge is entitled to seek a review of that decision.

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Last modified 4th November 2016

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Once a crime has been reported to the police an officer will carry out an initial investigation. This will always happen, however a crime is reported.