Definition

Noun: A systematic inquiry conducted by law enforcement officers to gather information and evidence about suspected criminal activities.

Usage

This term refers specifically to the formal process undertaken by police or other authorized law enforcement agencies. It describes the official procedure from the initial report or discovery of a potential crime through evidence collection, witness interviews, and analysis, often culminating in a report or recommendation for legal action.

Examples

• The police investigation into the burglary uncovered several key pieces of evidence.
• A thorough police investigation is required before any charges can be filed.
• The chief announced that the police investigation had concluded, with the case being handed over to the district attorney.

Advanced Usage

• "to be under police investigation": To be the subject of an ongoing official inquiry by law enforcement.
  • The company's finances are under police investigation.
• "to launch/conduct a police investigation": To formally begin or carry out the inquiry.
  • Authorities have launched a police investigation following the discovery.

Variants and Related Words

• Investigation (n): A general term for a formal examination. While a "police investigation" is a specific type, "investigation" alone can be broader (e.g., private, internal, journalistic).
• Criminal investigation (n): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "police investigation," though it can also be conducted by non-police agencies.
• Probe (n): An informal synonym for an investigation, often used in journalism.

Synonyms

• Criminal inquiry
• Law enforcement inquiry
• Official probe

Related Phrases

• Police probe: A journalistic or slightly less formal term for a police investigation.
  • The police probe into the fraud lasted six months.
• Ongoing investigation: A phrase used to describe an investigation that is still active and not yet concluded.
  • Details are limited due to the ongoing investigation.

Noun

1. the investigation of criminal activities