Judicial Police

Overview

The Judicial Police, also known as the Judiciary Police or the Justice Police, is a type of law enforcement agency which is responsible for the investigation of serious crimes, often at a national level. The term is most commonly used in civil law jurisdictions to describe police agencies which are responsible for the enforcement of judicial decisions. Unlike other types of law enforcement agencies, the Judicial Police are typically under the direct control of the judiciary or the Ministry of Justice, rather than the executive branch of government.

Role and Responsibilities

The primary role of the Judicial Police is to enforce the decisions of the courts. This includes executing warrants, apprehending suspects, and carrying out investigations. They are also responsible for the collection and preservation of evidence, and for presenting this evidence in court. In many jurisdictions, the Judicial Police also have the power to conduct preliminary inquiries into criminal offences, and to decide whether or not to proceed with a prosecution.

Structure and Organization

The structure and organization of the Judicial Police can vary significantly between different jurisdictions. In some countries, the Judicial Police are a separate agency within the police force, while in others they are a division of the national police. In some cases, the Judicial Police may also include specialized units or departments, such as the forensic science department or the financial crimes unit.

Training and Qualifications

Officers of the Judicial Police are typically required to have a high level of legal knowledge and expertise. This is often achieved through a combination of formal education and on-the-job training. In many jurisdictions, officers must also pass a series of examinations in order to qualify for the Judicial Police.

Judicial Police by Country

The role and structure of the Judicial Police can vary significantly between different countries. Some examples of Judicial Police agencies around the world include:

France

In France, the Judicial Police (Police Judiciaire) is a branch of the National Police. It is responsible for criminal investigations, under the supervision of the judiciary.

Italy

In Italy, the Judicial Police (Polizia Giudiziaria) is a function of all police forces, coordinated by the Public Prosecutor.

Portugal

In Portugal, the Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária) is a higher criminal investigation police agency.

Japan

In Japan, the Judicial Police (司法警察) responsibilities are held by the Criminal Affairs Bureau of the National Police Agency.