When a crime victim reports a crime to the Garda Síochána, they take a witness statement from the victim. A witness statement is a written record of the complaint. The Gardaí then investigate the crime. Depending on the investigation and the evidence, they may arrest a suspect.
In serious crimes, the Gardaí send a file to the DPP and the DPP decides whether or not to prosecute the suspect. In less serious crimes, the Gardaí make the decision, but whoever makes the decision the prosecution is still taken in the name of the DPP who has the right to tell the Gardaí how to deal with the case.
To find out more about the work of the Gardaí visit their website at www.garda.ie.