How do the police investigate crimes?

When the police receive a report of a crime, they send investigating officers to the scene as soon as they can. If the officers arrest a suspect, they will transport that person to the police station for booking. The officer will write an arrest report, detailing when and why the officer went to the scene, along with any observations, and why the officer arrested the suspect. The officer also will fill out a property report, detailing what items the police found on the suspect during booking. The officer also will list any items of evidence found at the scene.

If the crime is complex or serious, the police then assign an investigating officer (usually a detective) to the case. That officer will make a return visit to the crime scene, look for more evidence, and interview any other witnesses. If the police have not arrested anyone, the detective will analyze the evidence and try to narrow down the list of suspects. The detective will question suspects and sometimes will obtain a confession.

>>How does one report a crime?
>>How do the police investigate crimes?
>>How long may police hold suspects before filing charges?
>>What is probable cause?
>>If the police stop me for drunk driving, what tests may they force me to take?
>>What procedures must the police follow while making an arrest?
>>What are Miranda rights?
>>What is an interrogation?
>>Is it wise to have a lawyer present during interrogations?

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