What happens when I study a crime?

Investigating crimes, catching criminals and protecting the community is the police'southward master job, but they as well help victims and witnesses of crime.

Even if you don't report a crime as the victim, someone who saw what happened might do, so it'southward likely that you volition take to talk to police after a offense.

If you do report a criminal offense the law will explicate what will happen side by side. They should also give y'all the contact details of the police officer dealing with your case and a crime reference number. Make a note of this number somewhere safe – you will need it if y'all want to contact the police again nigh the incident, or if you desire to make an insurance or compensation claim.

Getting support

When you study a crime the police force should also ask y'all if you lot are happy for your details to exist passed to Victim Support. If y'all say yes, nosotros volition automatically get your contact data and cursory details well-nigh the crime. We'll then contact you lot to see how nosotros can help. If you don't want us to contact you, tell the constabulary officer. You lot can change your mind later on and you tin can contact us directly at any time for assist and support.

Making a argument

Once a crime has been reported, the police volition start their investigation and endeavour to notice evidence. As the victim, they'll demand to talk to you and collect as much information equally possible then that they tin can write up a statement. If you find it difficult or upsetting to talk to the constabulary, you can ask for a break at any point.

Victim Personal Statement

Later on the interview, you will be asked to read the statement and check that it is correct. The law will then ask you lot to sign it. They should also give you the hazard to brand a separate Victim Personal Argument – this is your chance to say how the crime has affected you, and it volition be taken into account during trial.

Getting evidence

The law may likewise demand to collect evidence from where the law-breaking took place, such as photos or fingerprints. If you've been injured in a violent attack or suffered a sexual crime, the police will ask you whether you agree to accept a medical examination. It's your decision, but think that this may be an opportunity to get forensic testify that can assistance bring an attacker to justice.

Keeping yous informed

Investigations can take some time. The police volition give you the name and telephone number of the officer or 'crime desk' responsible for your case and will go along you informed of developments – yous can as well contact the police by calling 101. Accept your crime number ready then that they tin can identify your case apace.

What will happen subsequently the police investigation?

If the police detect the person who committed the crime, there are a number of things that could happen.

Issuing a caution

The police may decide to caution the person (unless they are a immature offender, in which instance they may get a reprimand or final alarm). With young offenders they may advise a restorative justice arroyo. This could include asking you if y'all want to attend a restorative briefing, where you would meet the offender along with a trained restorative justice facilitator.

A restorative justice meeting is completely voluntary. It can give you the gamble to ask the offender questions and tell them how their crime has affected you.

Taking the instance to court

The example will go to court if the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decides that there is enough evidence and that information technology is in the public interest to prosecute the person defendant. The police do not make up one's mind the outcome of a case; they collect evidence and pass it to the CPS.

The CPS has to consider the impact the crime has had on y'all, the victim, in making a conclusion almost whether or not they should prosecute. Information technology should also take into account the views of your family unit. You can discover out more information on the CPS website.

Attending court as a witness

If the CPS does prosecute, and the defendant pleads guilty, you won't accept to go to court.

But if the defendant pleads 'not guilty' or denies part of the offence, you might take to give bear witness if you lot were a witness to the crime (some victims are not witnesses if, for example, they were burgled when they were away from home). If you lot are non needed as a witness at court, the police should still keep you informed about what happens in the case.

Detect out more about going to court.