Criminal investigation
A term from the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice (APP), reproduced under the Open Government Licence with a link back to the authoritative source.
Definition
An investigation conducted by police officers with a view to it being ascertained whether a person should be charged with an offence, or whether a person charged with an offence is guilty of it.
This definition is drawn from the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice. For the full operational guidance and current wording, read it at source.
Related terms
Admissibility
The court's decision on whether evidence can be included, is often dependent on various legal standards and specifications.
Best evidence
Primary evidence or first-hand evidence, such as eye witnesses or original documents.
Criminal investigator
Any police officer involved in the conduct of a criminal investigation.
Joint investigation
An investigation where two or more agencies are involved, each approaching the investigation differently.
Modus operandi
The methods used by offenders in committing crimes.
Serious crime
Conduct which involves the use of violence, results in substantial financial gain or is conducted by a large number of persons in pursuit of a common purpose.
Definition reproduced from the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice under the Open Government Licence v3.0. See the source link above for the authoritative, current wording.