Duration of Police Investigations in the UK

The duration of police investigations in the UK can vary greatly and depends on a variety of factors. This page will delve into the typical timelines and explain the factors that influence how long investigations last.

A police investigation is a process by which the police attempts to gather evidence to determine whether a crime has occurred. If sufficient evidence is gathered, this could lead to a suspect being charged and subsequently taken to court.

The timeline for a police investigation will depend hugely on the complexity of the case. Here are a few key factors:

1. Severity of the alleged offence: More serious crimes will often require more time to investigate.
2. Availability of clear evidence: If evidence is readily available and clear, this may shorten investigation time.
3. Availability and cooperation of witnesses: The availability of witnesses to provide statements and their willingness to cooperate can greatly affect how long an investigation takes.
4. Resource availability: The availability of police resources to work on the case will also affect the duration of investigations.

In general, the police aim to conduct investigations as quickly as possible, for several reasons:

• To minimise distress to victims and their families.
• To ensure that any offenders are brought to justice swiftly.
• To maximise the likelihood of obtaining reliable evidence.

Bail and the 28-day rule:
When police have arrested a suspect and need more time to investigate, the suspect may be released on police bail. As legislated by the Policing and Crime Act 2017, pre-charge bail can initially last up to 28 days. However, this can be extended up to three months by a superintendent, and beyond three months by a magistrates’ court, if the police can demonstrate that this is necessary and proportionate.

NFA and its implications:
Unfortunately, not all police investigations result in a clear outcome. If the police can’t gather enough evidence to charge a suspect, they can issue a ‘No Further Action’ (NFA). An NFA means that the police investigation has come to an end and no charger will be made.

Investigation Review Officers:
The Investigation Review Officer (IRO) plays a crucial role in the investigation process. IROs review ongoing investigations and assess whether any further reasonable lines of inquiry have been pursued. They ensure that police investigations proceed efficiently and to a high standard. The involvement of an IRO may speed up an investigation, as they can identify if specific inquiries are unlikely to bring any further information and can be closed.

By understanding the factors that affect the duration of police investigations and the processes in place to ensure investigations are conducted efficiently, hopefully some of the stress and uncertainty of this difficult time can be alleviated. Remember, it’s crucial that justice is thorough and accurate, and sometimes this requires patience.