Entry into the System Report
Law enforcement officers receive the crime report from victims, witnesses, or other parties (or witness the crime themselves and make a report).
Investigation
Law enforcement investigates the crime. Officers try to identify a suspect and find enough evidence to arrest the suspect they think may be responsible.
Arrest or Citation
If they find a suspect and enough evidence, officers may arrest the suspect or issue a citation for the suspect to appear in court at a specific time. This decision depends on the nature of the crime and other factors. If officers do not find a suspect and enough evidence, the case remains open.