Investigating the Crime - Information for Youth

Police are responsible for conducting criminal investigations. At the investigation stage, police gather and review information to figure out what happened. This may involve, for example, examining the place where the crime occurred and talking to victims and witnesses.

Based on what they learn during their investigation, police decide whether there is enough evidence to prove a youth has committed a crime. If there is enough evidence, police will determine whether to recommend to Crown counsel that the youth be charged.

The following generally describes what may take place during an investigation.

• The investigation begins when a crime is reported to police
• Police then gather information from the victim, witnesses and other people involved
• Police review the information carefully and decide what action to take. The review may result in something as simple as police sending out a letter of caution to the accused or it may involve a more detailed police investigation

More Information

For more information, see:

• Investigating the Crime (Understanding Criminal Justice)
• Role of Police (Understanding Criminal Justice)