Cooperation regarding Investigations

We realize the inconvenience our request for your cooperation during the course of the criminal proceeding may cause.

The process of finding the criminal, proving his or her guilt or innocence and finally deciding on punishment is called the Criminal Proceeding. This procedure is divided into three steps which are Criminal Investigation, Indictment and Trial. These procedures differ between adult and juvenile suspects

Interview

The police investigator in charge will ask you about the situation in detail, such as 　damage, or the suspect’s appearance. There may be things you do not want to be reminded of or speak about, however, these things are requested in order to identify the suspects and prove the facts constituting the crime.

The more details are discovered, the faster and smoother the investigation will proceed, and lead to a prompt arrest of the suspect.

• Victims may fear retaliation from suspects in relation to talking to the police. All possible measures will be taken to ensure the victim’s security from any possible harm by the suspect.

Submission of Evidence

In order to identify the suspects and prove the facts constituting the crime, victims 　may be asked to submit evidence such as the clothes or items worn at the time of the crime. Such material evidence can have a large impact on the outcome a trial and it is recommended that victims cooperate with the police in supplying this information.

• If it is not necessary to keep items submitted to the police as material evidence, the items will be returned. (This is called a “Return”).

On-The-Spot Investigation and Review

Criminal Investigation, etc.

Victims may be asked to revisit the crime scene with a police officer to confirm certain things (such a visit to the crime scene, etc. is called a “On-The-Spot Investigation” and confirmation carried out as a result of a warrant issued by the court is called a “Inspection”).

On-the-spot investigation inspection may take some time to complete but are very important for the course of the criminal investigation in terms of clarifying facts and establishing the crime. Victims are asked to cooperate with police to the best of their ability.

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