A police investigation is a critical component of the legal system. The investigative process involves a range of activities, from gathering evidence to conducting interviews and searching for suspects. Investigators are responsible for constructing a strong case, which will ultimately lead to a conviction or out-of-court resolution. Criminal investigators must also be mindful of their ethical obligations, especially when dealing with victims.
During a criminal investigation, investigators must be impartial and follow all reasonable lines of enquiry to determine the identity of the offender and their motive. They must also consider the impact on the victim, and ensure that all relevant people are contacted and interviewed. This can include family members, friends and neighbours.
The investigation is supported by specialist technical and scientific expertise, such as DNA examinations, e-crime investigations and electronic surveillance. Detectives should proportionately test material gathered through enquiries and use evidence management and disclosure to maximise evidential opportunities. They should also work closely with prosecutors to help them deliver successful outcomes.
Investigators must make sure that all evidence is protected, stored and documented in a secure manner. This is vital to the success of a case; even a single oversight can have severe consequences. A notorious example occurred in the OJ Simpson trial, when improper storage of blood samples contaminated key evidence.
Law enforcement officers practice writing reports throughout their academy training. The basics are fairly easy: the five Ws (Who, What, When, Where and Why), written in a chronological narrative. But beyond this, police reports can get fiddly. For example, if someone acted unusually, investigators may note their demeanour in a report.
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