Whether you’ve been a victim of crime or a potential suspect in an investigation, it’s important to understand how law enforcement investigates crimes. This article explains the basic steps police investigators take to build up a case.
The first step is to secure the scene and make an initial assessment of the situation. This is critical for the safety of victims and witnesses, as well as preserving any evidence at the scene. Police may use a variety of tools for this, such as crime scene photographs and crime scene analysis. They may also interview witnesses and suspects. These interviews typically follow specific guidelines to ensure that each witness’s recollection of the incident is as accurate as possible. The investigator may apply a technique like the cognitive interview to help witnesses recall information.
After police have finished their investigation, they will submit the findings to the Crown Prosecution Service, who decides whether or not to bring a criminal charge against a suspect. The decision to charge a person is based on a variety of factors, including the strength of the evidence against them and their background. If you’re a victim of crime and you disagree with the CPS’ decision not to prosecute, you can ask them to review their decision through the Victims’ Right to Review scheme.
To successfully close cases and prevent future crime, policing agencies must invest in research-based investigative procedures. Training in forensic science and evidence analysis is key, as are the development of new tools for crime scene investigations.