Follow-up investigations are a continuation of the preliminary investigation and are usually but not always initiated by the emergence of solvability factors during the preliminary phase. The follow-up investigation is intended to identify suspects and produce evidence relating to the guilt or innocence of any suspect that can be used in a prosecution; and also to facilitate the recovery of property.
Actions to be taken in conducting follow-up investigations include, but are not limited to, the following steps:
- Review and analyze all reports from the preliminary phase.
- Conduct additional interviews and interrogations including supplemental or second contact interviews with principals.
- Review departmental records (criminal history, photos, etc.).
- Seek additional information (informants, beat officers, witnesses, etc.).
- Review and evaluate evidence and request forensic services where needed utilizing the forensic services examination request form (#288-13R1).
- Arrange for dissemination of information, as appropriate.
- Where necessary, plan, organize and conduct searches.
- Identify and arrest suspects.
- Collect physical evidence identified through investigation and turn said evidence into the property room properly sealed.
- Determine suspects possible involvement in other crimes.
- Prepare cases for court.
- Present cases to Ramsey County and/or Saint Paul Attorneys Office for prosecution.
Additional guidance for follow-up investigations can be found in the charging process booklet.
When the case is completed it will be submitted to the unit commander for review. All completed cases must include a disposition of all property and evidence related to the case.
Revised July 2, 2013