Criminal Investigations

Abstract

This chapter provides an introduction to the military and civilian institutions in the UK that are tasked with investigating alleged war crimes and other unlawful killings and mistreatment. It opens with an introduction to the armed forces and service law before discussing the choice between service and civilian investigations, jurisdiction and the creation of temporary police and judicial bodies in recent years. We then discuss the key role of the commanding officer, the work of the civilian police War Crimes Team and the structure, functions, staffing and decision-makers of the Royal Military Police, including civilian oversight mechanisms and independence and impartiality of investigations. We close with a look at what happens after the investigation provisions for victims to challenge decisions not to prosecute.