Who investigates a crime?
Two bodies, in sequence. Judicial police officers gather evidence and take statements, and the Public Prosecution conducts the formal investigation into felonies and misdemeanours (Article 65 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law)).
During evidence gathering, judicial police officers may hear anyone who has information about the offences and their perpetrators, and may question the accused about the same (Article 41). They may seek help from doctors and other experts.
What happens when a crime is caught in the act?
Article 43 treats a crime as caught in flagrante delicto during or shortly after it is committed, or if the perpetrator is chased by the victim or the public, or found soon after carrying tools, weapons or items showing involvement.
In that case the judicial police officer must go straight to the scene, examine and retain the physical evidence, document the state of places and persons, take statements from those present, and inform the Public Prosecution immediately (Article 44). The Public Prosecution then moves to the scene itself.
How does the prosecution investigate?
The Prosecutor conducts the investigation with a clerk, signs every page of the investigation reports and records all investigation procedures (Article 66).
The Prosecutor may assign a judicial police officer to carry out any investigation procedure except questioning the accused (Article 68). The first time the accused is present, the Prosecutor writes down their identity, informs them of the charge and records all their answers (Article 97).
Is the investigation confidential?
Yes. Under Article 67 the investigation procedures and their results are confidential, and members of the Public Prosecution, their assistants, clerks and experts must not disclose them.
A breach is punished as disclosure of confidential information. For the accused, this is why lawyers rely on the right under Article 98 to attend and review the investigation papers, unless the Prosecutor decides otherwise in the interest of the investigation.
What should I do first?
Find out which body holds the case
Police station or prosecution office, and the reference.
Do not discuss the case on messaging apps
Messages can become evidence.
Prepare before you are questioned
Know the dates, documents and people involved.
Ask your lawyer to attend
Article 98 allows your attorney to attend and review the papers.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Who conducts a criminal investigation?
Judicial police officers gather evidence, and the Public Prosecution conducts the investigation into felonies and misdemeanours.
Can the police question me?
Yes. Judicial police officers may question the accused during evidence gathering (Article 41). Before your statements, you must be told the charge and your right to silence (Article 48).
Are investigation papers confidential?
Yes, under Article 67, although your attorney may review them under Article 98 unless the Prosecutor decides otherwise.
What is flagrante delicto?
A crime caught during or shortly after commission, as defined in Article 43.
Related guides
Criminal Case Process overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewCriminal Evidence
How evidence is collected and used in UAE criminal cases, and what the judge can and cannot rely on.
Read the guideRights After Arrest
What the law says must happen after an arrest: being told the charge, the right to remain silent, access to a lawyer, an interpreter and the time limits for seeing the prosecution.
Read the guideSources
Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 28 September 2023. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.