How long police investigations take

A statement is a typed record of what happened in the victims own words Keep the victim informed of the progress of the investigation, unless the disclosure might jeopardise the investigation, in which case, the victim will be informed accordingly.

The certificate must verify that there has been consultation with the victim or set out good reason why consultation could not occur, such as the victim declining to speak to police, the victim cannot be located or the victim is deceased Inform the victim of the date and place of hearing of any charge laid against the accused Inform the victim of the outcome of the criminal proceedings against the accused and the sentence if any imposed.

Once an offender is arrested and charged they are then known as the accused and will be either: Released with a Court Attendance Notice CAN , which is a written direction for the accused to attend court on a particular day to answer a charge or an order against them Released on bail.

If a victim or witness fears for their safety the police will inform the prosecutor who will ensure that the court takes this into account when assessing the bail application. Bail conditions can be imposed on the accused by the court and if the accused does not comply with those conditions, police can arrest the accused for breach of bail. Kept in custody also known as on remand until the matter goes before a court.

These options include: Criminal Infringement Notice CIN - an on the spot fine for certain offences Forum Sentencing — mediation between the offender and victim Circle Sentencing — a sentencing alternative for serious repeat adult Aboriginal offenders.

You may be asked to help by providing elimination fingerprints. A specially trained crime-scene investigator will usually do this. If you have been injured the police may want to photograph your injuries or have your injuries examined by a doctor engaged by the police. If you agree to an examination the doctor will record any injuries.

You do not have to consent to a medical examination, but it can provide vital evidence which the police may not be able to get from anywhere else, and it may help identify who was responsible for the attack.

If the police have a suspect for an offence and the identity of that person is in dispute, they may wish to carry out an identity procedure. In this case, you will be asked to pick out the person who you think committed the alleged offence. In order to carry out the identification procedure the police may use one of several methods including a process known as Video Identification Parade Electronic Recording - commonly known as 'VIPER'.

This means that the identification procedure is prepared in the form of a DVD disc and will be shown to you by the police officer on a laptop or computer. The advantage of this electronic process is that you can view the DVD disc in places other than the police station, such as at home, should you prefer. Depending on the type of crime, it can take quite a long time to gather all the information that is needed.

This will usually be to do with the type of evidence needed or whether evidence will be used in court. The police may also ask the PPS for advice about what charges, if any, should be brought against a suspect. Once a suspect has been charged with a criminal offence, they are known as the defendant. The police will then send a case file to the PPS who will decide if a court case is to go ahead. If you are a victim of crime and the police have not identified someone for the crime committed against you after three months, you should be told.

For a free initial enquiry, call us on You can also email us on enquiries ashmanssolicitors. Can the police keep my personal property during the investigation? Can I travel abroad if I am released under investigation? All Articles. Your information is safe and treated in accordance with our Privacy Policy. In the meantime, if you have any further queries, get in touch at or email us on enquiries ashmanssolicitors.

Do you need legal advice? For expert legal support please get in touch with our team today. Contact us Or request a free call back. Criminal defence solicitors London If you have any further questions, or you need expert legal representation, we are here to help. What does it mean to be released under investigation?

Why have I been released under investigation? However, bail is currently restricted to 28 days, so the police tend only to release suspects on bail if they are concerned that: You will commit another offence You will fail to turn up at court You will intimidate witnesses You will try to obstruct the course of justice Otherwise, it is likely that you will be released under investigation, rather than released on bail.

What is the difference between being released on bail and released under investigation? How long will the investigation take? Will I have to return to the police station? What happens when the investigation ends? When the police conclude their investigation, one of two things will happen: The case against you is dropped, meaning you are no longer under investigation The police formally charge you and pass your case to the Crown Prosecution Service You will know if you have been charged because you will be recalled to the police station and arrested.

How am I told what happens next? What happens if I miss the postal requisition? Is the law different if I am under 18? Why is being released under investigation controversial? What happens if you are unable to attend court due to Covid For a free initial enquiry, call us on Similar Articles Category: Articles. October 30, Category: Articles. October 9, Caught in Possession of a Controlled Substance? What is a Confiscation Order? September 8, Sign up to our newsletter E-mail.

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You can read about all your entitlements as a victim or witness of crime in the Victims' Code and the Witness Charter. How long a police investigation takes Investigations can take a long time and some crimes are never solved.

Keeping up to date The police will keep you informed at important points in the investigation. Learning the outcome of an investigation The police will let you know within 5 working days of the suspect being: arrested charged released without charge released under investigation where there are no bail conditions released on bail given a caution, reprimand, final warning or penalty notice You'll get this information within 1 working day if you've been the victim of a serious crime, repeatedly targeted, or are intimidated or vulnerable.