What is the role of the police in the Criminal Justice System?

Criminal Justice system is an institution which comprises of police, the Public Prosecutor, the defence lawyer and the judge who tries to conduct the investigation, legal proceedings and solve the case in any way possible. The role of the police in the Criminal Justice System is as follows:

• Police play an important role in the investigation process.

• He has to work in accordance with the law and Human Rights.

• He has to record statement of witnesses and have to collect various evidences.

• After the investigation, the police should be able to form a judgment.

• If he considers that the accused is guilty of the crime then accordingly he has to file a charge sheet in the court.

• Police have to follow some rules with regards to arrest, detention and interrogation mentioned by the Supreme Court.

• Clear, accurate and visible name tags of their designations should be worn by the police.

• Police should prepare an arrest memo during the arresting process which should include time and date of the arrest. This memo should include details of at least one witness or the family member of the arrested person.

• It is the responsibility of the police to inform the relative or family member of the arrested person if they stay outside the district, for this they should provide proper details like Time, location of arrest and the venue of custody.

• Police are not allowed to torture, beat or shoot anyone during the investigation.

• Police cannot impose any form of punishment on the prisoner, not even for petty offences.