If required for the investigation, police may need to interview others who were aware of the incident or in the vicinity and/or review cell phone and social media records (sometimes even seizing the cellphone). It is important to note this process can take some time and varies with each investigation. This can take weeks or months to complete but you will be updated as the investigation proceeds to the next steps. The majority of evidence (e.g., video interview or medical records) is often disclosable to the defence attorney. The Crown will review all evidence. If you wish to proceed and make a statement to the police but do not wish to participate in the court process there may be two options; ‣ You can submit a report for information purposes only. The report will be closed but can be reopened at a later date. Please remember that delays in investigations often compromise the ability to gather evidence. ‣ You can submit a report that will be assigned to an investigator for investigation and the subject formally warned/cautioned about the behaviour. A caution may or may not prevent further incidents in the future but can be used to collect statistical data. The caution is noted in the Ottawa police report and kept in OPS records.
What happens after charges are laid? If charges are laid, the Crown Attorney’s office becomes involved. The victim/survivor will be contacted by the Ministry of the Attorney General’s Victim Witness Assistance Program (V/WAP) to assist them with multiple services related to the criminal justice process (see court process section for details). Once a person has been arrested and charged with a crime, they become the ‘accused.’ Depending on the circumstances, the police can hold the accused in custody for a bail hearing or release them with conditions.
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