In: Psychology
why the preliminary investigation is an important step in the investigation process
The scope of preliminary investigation is merely inquisitorial and it is often the only means of discovering whether the offense has been committed and the persons responsible for it to enable the fiscal to prepare his complaint or information. It is not a trial on the merits and has no purpose but to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that an offense has been committed and that the accused is probably guilty of it. It does not place the accused in jeopardy.
Its most important function,is that it will secure the innocent against hasty, malicious and oppressive prosecution, and to protect him from an open and public accusation of a crime, from the trouble expense and anxiety of a public trial.