Investigative Procedure

Last month, I sent the police a formal request for their basic SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) with regard to investigations. I was prompted by an investigator who referred to it. But where was it? Here is the kind of thing which would be answered by the SOP -- simple ground rules, really:

• Must the police present a docket to the prosecutor?
• Must they retain proof that the prosecutor saw it?
• May the police alter or destroy a docket?
• Must they charge a person in writing?
• When must a complainant be notified of progress?
• Must the complainant be interviewed?
• Are there time frames for investigations?
• Are investigations reactive or proactive?

And so on. Many of these questions, and more, would be critical to an investigation. OBSERVATION: This week will tell whether the SOP is revealed, or whether an appeal is required on my part. I shall put it this way: I look forward to seeing the SOP. Without it, we'd all be in big trouble.