Conclusion

This week you learned more about the different experts involved in the investigation of a potential criminal case.

In England and Wales, the police oversee the investigation, which can vary between being straightforward or being very complex. The Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has oversight of a case and may lead discussions about what items recovered from the scene are prioritised for scientific analysis. In Scotland the investigation is overseen by the Crown Office, Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and a lawyer called a Procurator Fiscal, who all work together with the SIO in making decisions.

Next week we’ll see how the forensic evidence is used in the courtroom.

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