Investigating Crime

The next stage is investigation, where the police gather evidence. The police may ask you to tour the area where the offence happened to help identify the offender. They may also ask you to look at photographs or attend an identification parade.

Police investigations can take a long time. It may be several months before you hear anything about the case.

Once the police have completed their investigation, and the suspect is charged, the matter is then placed before the Court.

The difference between the police and the ODPP:

The police:
The police arrest, question and gather evidence and take witness statements, and then charge a suspect.

The ODPP:
The ODPP is responsible for prosecuting once it is decided if the evidence is good enough to go to court.