Investigation of a
Crime essay
The process of
investigation begins with the receiving of a report that a
crime was committed or due to indirect evidence a criminal act has taken place. An arrest decision takes place as a result of a
crime was committed, thus resulting in the apprehension of the perpetrator who has committed the
crime. As a result of the arresting decision the suspect is then taken into custody and booked, "that is, the arrest is registered in a precinct house and the suspect is finger printed and photographed." (Boyer, 59) The next step involved is an in custody
investigation, which involves the interrogation and an appearance in a lineup or appear on stage with people who roughly resemble the description of the suspect for viewing by victims or witnesses to the
crime. The final step is the suspect is taken for an "initial appearance before an magistrate." The purpose of this is for the judge to decide "at first glance" whether the alleged
crime was committed and if the suspect committed it. This process lets cases get resolved at this point as a result of guilty pleas, dismissal, or withdrawal of charges. If the judge gets the accused to honor to appear again for later proceeding's "released on the accuser's own recognizance". He or she can go home until later being summoned for proceedings.