How the police investigate

When a crime is reported, an Officer in Charge is assigned. They will handle the investigation and coordinate the next steps. 

As part of the investigation, police may speak with you and other people who may have information about what happened. You may be asked questions more than once as they work to build a full picture of the events.

It can be difficult to talk about what happened. Police will do their best to support your wellbeing while gathering the information they need for the investigation. 

The police will collect evidence to help make an arrest. This might be:

• physical evidence, such as clothes or other property
• medical evidence
• photos, CCTV footage or digital communications. 

If there is enough evidence, they can make an arrest and charge a person. 

You might find the investigation process slow or uncertain. Your police contact will explain what’s happening and answer any questions you may have.

If you have been physically assaulted or are a victim-survivor of sexual violence, you might be asked to have a medical examination. 
 
A medical examination can help collect evidence and make sure injuries or health concerns are treated. The examination is done by trained health professionals. 

A medical examination for sexual violence(external link) matters is done by a specialist health trained professional.

Police may need to examine the place where the crime occurred. If possible, try not to move or touch anything at the location until police advise whether it needs to be examined.

To help with the investigation, police may need to keep some of your property for a period of time. This can be frustrating, particularly when the items are important to your daily life.

You have the right to have your property returned as soon as it is no longer needed. However, if it is required as evidence for court proceedings, it may take longer before it can be returned.

If your home, vehicle, or another property was affected as part of the crime scene process, you may be eligible for financial assistance. 

The police might ask you to look at photographs or attend an identification parade, also known as a police line up, to help point out the accused person. 
 
Taking part in these processes can be distressing. You are not expected to know everything or remember every detail. Sharing what you honestly recall can help the investigation. 
 
For more information, visit:

Advice for victims | New Zealand Police(external link)