What is the process of police investigations in criminal cases?
In Utah, police investigations in criminal cases typically start with a 911 call or report filed by a victim or witness. After the initial reports have been made, police officers are dispatched to the scene to begin their investigation. Police officers will obtain and collect evidence, interview witnesses, take photographs, create sketches or diagrams, and make arrests if necessary. They will also write reports and take notes. In order to further their investigation, police officers can obtain search warrants or court orders to access certain places, people, or property. They can also issue subpoenas for witnesses to appear in court to answer questions. Throughout the investigation process, police officers will contact prosecutors and the Special Agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) if the case is especially serious or complex. At the conclusion of the investigation, police officers will turn over their notes and evidence to prosecutors. The prosecutors will then decide whether or not to file charges against the suspect. If the prosecutor files charges, the suspect will go through the criminal court process. In summary, the process of police investigations in criminal cases in Utah involves collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, taking photographs, writing reports, obtaining search warrants and court orders, issuing subpoenas, and gathering all of the necessary information to forward to prosecutors who will decide if charges should be filed.
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