ABSTRACT
Police ocers have the responsibility of preparing criminal investigations for trial. Since prosecutors represent the state against criminal o¡enders and the police apprehend o¡enders on behalf of the state, the police ocer’s responsibilities can be closely identi–ed with those of the prosecutor. When a criminal violation is discovered the police investigate, make arrests when appropriate, and –le a complaint for prosecution. e prosecution then has the responsibility to bring the case to trial. A criminal case can be closed without prosecution for several valid reasons (Hess and Orthmann, 2010, p. 648):
• e complaint is invalid. • e prosecutor declines ažer reviewing the case. • e complainant refuses to prosecute. • e o¡ender dies. • e o¡ender is in prison or out of the country and cannot be returned. • No evidence or leads exist.
