What to Expect if You Report a Crime to the Police

The following generally describes what may happen when you report a crime to the police:

1. You report a crime to police.
   • See Reporting a Crime
2. You will be asked to make a statement.
   • See Making a Statement
3. Police investigate the crime and decide whether to recommend to Crown counsel that the accused be charged with committing a crime. Police may also arrest the accused. If the accused is a youth, the police may decide to use extrajudicial measures.
   • See Investigating the Crime
4. Crown counsel may formally charge the accused if there is a substantial likelihood of conviction and a prosecution is in the public interest. Crown counsel may refer the accused for alternative measures for adults or extrajudicial sanctions for youth or begin court proceedings.
   • See The Court Case
5. The court decides whether the accused person is guilty or not guilty of committing the crime.
   • See Court Decision
6. If the accused is found guilty, the court sentences the accused, which may include a custodial sentence, community supervision sentence or a combination of both.
   • See Sentencing – Understanding Criminal Justice

More Information

For more information, please visit:

• How the Criminal Justice System Works (Understanding Criminal Justice)
• Youth Justice in B.C. (Youth Justice)