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After the investigation

Last updated on March 19, 2026

When the investigation is complete, police decide whether they have enough evidence to recommend to Crown counsel that charges be laid. Not all investigations result in charges.

Another decision police have to make is whether the accused should be arrested. This is usually based on the severity of the crime. If the person was caught committing a crime, they may have been arrested and released or arrested and kept in custody while the investigation was going on.

Not all people who are arrested will be charged. Not all people charged will be arrested.

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Jury duty

A jury is a group of people who decide if an accused person in a criminal trial is guilty or if a claim in a civil trial has been proven. Learn more about jury duty.