What are the basic steps typically involved in a criminal investigation?

The basic steps typically involved in a criminal investigation include initial response, evidence collection, interviews, and report writing. At the beginning, the initial response is critical—officers first secure the scene to ensure safety and preserve evidence. Following this, evidence collection is conducted to gather physical proof of the crime, which may involve collecting forensic samples, photographs, and other material relevant to the investigation.

Interviews play a pivotal role as well; officers seek to gather information from witnesses, victims, and potential suspects to build a comprehensive understanding of the events surrounding the crime. Finally, report writing is essential for documenting all aspects of the investigation, which provides a clear and organized account that can be used in court proceedings.

This systematic approach is fundamental to ensure that investigations are thorough, consistent, and legally sound, ultimately helping to ascertain the truth and support the legal process. The other options suggest steps that may occur at various points in the broader legal or law enforcement process but do not align with the routine and structured phases of a criminal investigation itself.