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Often, in the first hours, days, or weeks
after a crime has been reported, you may feel
lost or confused about what happens next. You
may expect the officer to call and keep you
informed about the case. We will do whatever we
can to assist you. Unless there are unusual
circumstances, the case will normally be
processed as follows:
The
officer will take the information from you
needed to file a police incident report. The
Officer will do as much follow-up as possible
during his tour of duty, depending on the level
of calls for service.
At
the end of his shift, the officer will enter all
the information he has gathered on your incident
into the computer. The computer assigns an
incident number, which identifies your case. The
officer should give you this report number along
with a business card. This report number will be
utilized to track your case.
Each morning the
staff reviews the incidents from the previous
shifts to determine what reports will need
additional follow-up. Not all cases are
investigated by an investigator. The majority of
crimes can and will be investigated by the
original reporting officer. The investigator
and/or other specially trained officers will
investigate the more serious offenses. (I.e.,
homicide, suicides, major burglaries and
breaking and entering etc.) Your primary contact
in most crimes will be the original responding
officer.
If there is a
workable suspect, information or clues left
behind by the suspect, the officer(s) will
attempt to work your case. If the officer has
leads, they will normally get back with you
within 10 days of the original report. If there
are no suspects or clues, the case will be filed
as an open case. Usually you will not hear from
an officer unless new evidence develops.
If you or your
insurance company needs a copy of the police
report, it can be obtained from the Police
Department. Most reports are available within
3-4 working days. However, it is best to call to
see if your report is available before coming to
the police department.
When your
investigation is completed and person/s are
arrested the officer will assist you in anyway
they can to be prepared for court and a
successful prosecution.
If you have any questions
during your cases investigation, feel free to
contact the investigating officer.
Likewise, the State
of Ohio has many programs available for victims
of crime. We have pamphlets available in the
station’s lobby and telephone numbers are
listed on this website under the emergency
telephone number listing to assist you. You can
also visit the AG Office Website at
www.ag.state.oh.us for additional resources.
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