Investigator

Everyone knows about the aspect of the police detective’s job that involves catching suspected criminals. But few people realize that my job as an investigator does not end with the arrest of a suspect. My work continues at the court, in collaboration with the prosecutors.

During an investigation, I try to uncover the evidence that could identify the person or people who committed an offence. As part of this investigation, I meet witnesses who can give me information. When this information is important or relevant to the case, I ask the witness to submit his version of the facts or events in the form of a special document. This document is called a “statement”. I also verify the existence of other evidence, like video recordings, photos, or weapons used in the crime. All these objects that could help prove the guilt or innocence of an accused are evidence, also called “exhibits”.

When I believe that I have collected enough information to prove that a specific individual committed an offence and to convict him or her, I complete an investigation report. This report includes all the steps that I took, a summary of the facts, a list of witnesses, their statements, a statement from the victim (as needed), the victim’s history, as well as any other relevant documentation. The report is then sent to an “Attorney-General’s prosecutor,” also called a Crown prosecutor. The Crown prosecutor uses this information to help decide whether or not to charge the suspect. Since I know the investigation report well, I often discuss it with him and make recommendations.

When a trial or a preliminary inquiry is planned, I help the prosecutor prepare adequately, especially if the file is complicated or long, as it can be in some fraud cases, for example. In that case, I help him to analyse and understand all of the evidence. If there are still questions, or any additional investigation becomes necessary, I take care of it. The day of the trial hearing or of the preliminary inquiry, the prosecutor often requires my services. During the whole procedure, I stay available to him in order to answer his questions and help him as needed.

I also play an important role with respect to the witnesses for the prosecution. Certain witnesses need more attention than others. Once I had to reassure a 12-year-old victim of a sexual assault who was very afraid of her aggressor. For the duration of the trial, I stayed at her side to keep the accused from trying to communicate with her.

At various stages in the proceedings, I can be asked to testify to explain to the judge the steps I took during the investigation, among other things. This might include the arrest of the accused, the discovery of evidence or the taking of statements from witnesses. My testimony is especially important when I have obtained admissions from the accused.

I do a demanding but very interesting job. Exposure to the court is very stimulating and over the years I have learned more and more about how the process works. I can better understand its logic as a consequence.