How to Report a Crime to the Police

Introduction

A police report notifies the police that a crime may have been committed; it can be made with any police department across the country. Generally, the police must examine all reports of potential criminal behavior. Police reports filed online are sent to the appropriate police unit when a unit responds to an incident. To launch an investigation, the police must fully describe the occurrence and the people involved in it.

Categories of Report

Police officers must file three types of reports at various stages of their investigations.

(1) Section 157 requires that the officer in charge of a police station provide a preliminary report to the Magistrate.

(2) Section 168 requires subordinate police officers to submit reports to the officer in command of the station. These reports are referred to as forwarding reports.

(3) Section 173 requires the police officer to file a final report with the Magistrate as soon as the investigation is concluded. The report under Subsection of Section 173 is called the Completion Report, often known as the Charge Sheet.

This initiative aims to track the status of the final report provided by the police under Section 173 of the Code. The researcher thoroughly examined the police's ability to reinvestigate a case when new evidence becomes available. This research examines the significance and status of the Police's Final report provided under Section 173 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The police charge sheet is based on a private citizen's complaint, which is the basis for the start of criminal proceedings. The initial phase of the investigation and preparation ends when the charge sheet is sent. The final report, as its name implies, is the record of the Police's conclusion following the course of their investigation. Because it represents the conclusion of the investigation. Nonetheless, when First information becomes available, Police are required by law to reopen the case.

Rules and Regulation of Police Reports

The police report under Section 173 includes the evidence and the inferences drawn by the police. Section 173, Cr.P.C. requires the Investigating Officer to present all detailed documents, both oral and documentary, to the Magistrate so that they can evaluate them and decide whether the case is fit for taking cognizance or not.

When an investigation culminates in a final report as contemplated by Section 173, the competent court undertakes a duty within its legal authority to scrutinize the final report and accompanying documents and make a decision on whether to accept or reject the final report. It should be highlighted, however, that the practice of refusing to accept charge sheets because they were not presented on the specified days for a certain police station or were not accompanied by an FSL Report is unconstitutional.

A magistrate does not have the authority to order the police to submit a charge sheet after a final report under Section 173. If they are dissatisfied with the final report, they may request that the police conduct a further inquiry under Section 156.

However, simply if the Investigating Agency expresses an opinion in that report that it is not a fit case where cognizance should be taken by the Magistrate under Section 190, Cr.P.C. by itself has no ground for drawing the inference. The decision alone must be taken into consideration as the Magistrate must completely stop investigating the details, which have been embodied in the final report, as required under Section 173 The magistrate is not bound by the complaint's conclusions. When a Magistrate receives a final report under Section 173 of the Code, he or she has complete jurisdiction to overturn the Police's judgment and order that the accused not listed in the report be tried. This exercise of authority must be by Section 190.

Under Section 156, the Magistrate has the independent authority to order an additional investigation. Even after approving the final report, the magistrate may still become aware of the offense in response to a complaint or protest petition based on the same or comparable factual claims.

Role of the Police

One may report the incident at the police station or the police may visit the crime scene, depending on the specifics of the case. The police will take action to protect anyone who is at risk when they respond to an emergency.

When any Individual reports a crime to the police, they will typically be requested to provide a complete statement. A police officer will speak and interrogate about what transpired; it is critical to tell the police all about the situation. The police may request that one type down your statement, or they may prepare the statement for you to review. Typically, people will be asked to sign the statement; in certain situations, the statement may be recorded or videotaped.

It's crucial to review the statement closely after a crime. One could be outraged, so it is necessary to take the time to craft a compelling statement. You might testify in court if the offender is apprehended and put on trial. The defense may cross-examine you as a witness over your statement.

The term "report" is defined as "to give an account of, relate, convey or disseminate information, communicate; deliver information; make an announcement; make known; speak about, specify." It is a formal oral or written presentation of information or a suggestion to take action. The term "police report" is defined in the Code of Criminal Procedure as a report forwarded by a police officer to a magistrate under a sub-section of Section.

The final report summarizes the investigation process and makes a formal recommendation for action. The report under Section 173 is an account of the findings of the inquiry conducted under Code XIV, which is equivalent to an investigation conducted under Section 155 or 156. The 'Police report' contemplated by Section 173 cannot, therefore, be a report on a situation in which no investigation under Chapter XIV has occurred or is feasible.

Since the Code was passed, there has been debate regarding the conclusiveness of the report that the police submit by section 173 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The investigation examined the courses that the magistrate could take after turning in the last report. Police are legally permitted to reopen an investigation if new information becomes available, even if the final report represents the conclusion of the inquiry. The courts have tended to rule that certain rights should not be infringed upon by judicial authority.

Several court rulings have stated that the Magistrate is free to deviate from the final report and is not required to follow it. In the interest of justice, it can be said that the Code has attempted to establish a balance between the authority of Criminal Courts and the Police.