4.3: Introduction to Criminal Investigation
Before we can begin the criminal court process, we must have a criminal investigation to collect evidence of guilt. In this module, we will look at the role the police/law enforcement plays in collecting evidence for presentation in the trial. As we progress in this course, you will see how vital it is that officers understand the rights of suspects and the importance of following criminal court processes and procedures. If an officer fails to properly collect evidence, that evidence could be excluded from the court and a guilty person could go free. Or evidence could be falsely obtained and an innocent person could be found guilty. This is one of the worst things that could occur because our country was founded on specific principles to ensure all citizens are treated fairly and just in the criminal court.