When police receive a report of crime, they take action to investigate it. The investigation process helps to build a solid case for prosecution that can stand up in court. Investigation also helps the police service recognise and understand the impact of crime on a community, which can be used to set local priorities. Investigation is done by officers and investigators who follow a series of principles and practices, and a mindset that can be applied to any situation.
Police and investigators must be open to the ideas of colleagues, and seek out the experience of their peers. Investigators must be empathetic to victims and witnesses, and take their needs into account. They must be careful to avoid causing distress, and they must comply with the European Convention on Human Rights, which sets out the rights of people in custody and the use of force by police.
The investigation process starts at a crime scene, where police collect physical evidence such as fingerprints, DNA samples or photographs. These must be properly documented and stored to maintain their integrity. Police officers interview victims and witnesses, and they might ask them to tour an area where the offence happened in order to identify the offender. They might also invite you to attend an identity parade where you can view photographs of potential suspects and provide a positive identification.
If the police have reasonable grounds for believing a crime has been committed, they can apply for search warrants, detain people and seize property. They must have probable cause and read a suspect their rights before they can arrest them. They must compile all the direct evidence, reports and witness statements before passing it to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).