What happens after a police report and who decides whether a case goes to court

Police or prosecutor decide whether to open a criminal investigation. Not every report leads to a criminal investigation, and not every investigation reaches court. Sufficient evidence is required.

A police report does not automatically mean a prosecutor or a court case.

After a police report, the police or prosecutor decide whether to open an investigation. Police often handle the early stage; in more serious or complex cases a prosecutor takes over and later decides whether charges should be brought.

What you need to know

• Police or prosecutor decide whether to open a criminal investigation.
• Police often lead the early stage while trying to identify a suspect.
• A prosecutor takes over many serious or complex cases and other defined situations.
• If the prosecutor assesses the evidence as sufficient for a conviction, prosecution must be brought; otherwise the investigation may be closed.

What to do

1. Keep the report or case number.
2. Send new evidence or witness information to the police.
3. Read any closure decision carefully to see who made it and why.
4. A closed investigation can be reopened if new circumstances emerge.

Important

Not every report leads to a criminal investigation, and not every investigation reaches court. Sufficient evidence is required.

Official sources

• Åklagarmyndigheten — Brottsutredningen
• Åklagarmyndigheten — Åklagarens roll
• Polismyndigheten — Från anmälan till dom

Sources checked: 2026-09-11.