What is the process of police investigations in criminal cases?

The process of police investigations in criminal cases in Florida begins the same way as it does in any other state. Whenever a crime is reported, police respond to the scene and begin gathering evidence. Depending on the severity of the crime, the police may initially take a statement from witnesses and victims, take pictures of the scene, and look for physical evidence like fingerprints or gun casings. Once an officer has a basic understanding of the scene, they will typically write up a report and complete any paperwork that may be necessary. Depending on the investigation, officers may then check surveillance footage, conduct interviews with witnesses, and take statements from suspects. In addition to gathering evidence, officers may also conduct background checks on suspects, examine cell phone records, or search through public and private databases for more information. If a crime is serious enough, officers may even contact the state or federal government for assistance in gathering additional evidence. Once the officers have gathered enough evidence to build a case, they will present it to the prosecuting attorney. The prosecuting attorney will then review the evidence and decide whether to file criminal charges. If a suspect is charged, the criminal case will proceed through the state court system.

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