What is a 'criminal investigation'?

A 'criminal investigation' refers to the process conducted by law enforcement agencies to collect, analyze, and present evidence related to a crime. This involves several key activities, including identifying witnesses, collecting physical evidence, interviewing suspects, and gathering any information pertinent to understanding the occurrence of the crime.

Effective criminal investigations are crucial as they lay the groundwork for any ensuing legal actions, and they help to ensure that law enforcement operates within the framework of the law while safeguarding the rights of all individuals involved. The primary aim is to establish whether a crime has been committed, who was involved, and how the illegal act was perpetrated, thus enabling law enforcement to take appropriate action, whether it be arresting a suspect or filing charges.

In contrast to other options, which focus on evaluations of performance (whether of police conduct, officer evaluation, or community policing), a criminal investigation is specifically about the factual collection of evidence related to criminal conduct.