Justice Begins Long Before the Courtroom
At Ryan & Miller, we believe justice doesn’t begin with a verdict—it begins the moment a crime is reported. What happens in those first few hours and days sets the tone for the entire legal process. Police investigations are the foundation of our justice system, and when they’re done properly, they serve and protect both victims and the accused. But when they fall short—due to bias, error, or neglect—the consequences can be devastating and long-lasting.
The stakes of a police investigation are not abstract. They determine who is charged, how evidence is presented, and whether the truth is ever actually uncovered. In short: if the investigation is flawed, the outcome is at risk.
The Core Purpose of a Police Investigation
The goal of any investigation is simple in theory: gather facts, establish what happened, and determine who was responsible. But the path to that truth is anything but simple. Investigators are tasked with analyzing scenes, collecting physical evidence, interviewing witnesses, preserving digital trails, and more—all while maintaining objectivity and adhering to procedure.
A proper investigation is not measured by whether it leads to an arrest or conviction, but by whether it follows the evidence impartially and aligns with both legal and ethical standards. Investigators must remain neutral, carefully protect and document the chain of custody for every piece of evidence, avoid the dangers of tunnel vision, and ensure transparency in how facts are gathered and reported. Most importantly, they must respect the constitutional rights of the individuals involved, regardless of whether they are a witness, a victim, or a suspect.
When Investigations Go Wrong
When investigations are poorly conducted—whether through carelessness, bias, or haste—the damage can be profound. Innocent people may be charged or even convicted. Crucial evidence might be lost, overlooked, or mishandled. Witnesses may be pressured or dismissed entirely. And the actual truth may never come to light.
In criminal defense cases, we often see issues like incomplete or inaccurate police reports, a lack of follow-up on alternative theories, or obvious signs of bias in how individuals are treated. We also encounter evidence that was improperly stored or never tested, and witness statements that were obtained through coercion or leading questions. These are not just technical errors. They are breakdowns in due process—failures that can permanently alter someone’s life.
Real-World Example: The Karen Read Trial
The importance of proper police investigation has recently come into national focus through the Karen Read trial in Massachusetts. Read stands accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, by allegedly striking him with her SUV and leaving him in the snow. However, the case has captured widespread attention not only because of the charge itself, but because of growing concerns over how the investigation was handled.
Allegations have been made that investigators may have had personal connections to key witnesses and that critical evidence may have been selectively reported, concealed, or misinterpreted. Many observers have raised concerns that the investigation seemed to focus on Read from the beginning, ignoring or dismissing other possible explanations and failing to follow up on conflicting accounts. Regardless of anyone’s opinion on Read’s guilt or innocence, what this trial has made clear is that the public’s trust in the legal system hinges on the belief that investigations are fair, thorough, and unbiased.
When the public starts to doubt how a case was built—or whether the process was manipulated—it doesn’t just affect one trial. It sends a message that justice is negotiable, depending on who’s involved or how fast someone wants to close a case.
What Should a Proper Investigation Look Like?
A strong and ethical investigation begins with securing the scene and preserving every piece of potential evidence in its original state. Officers must carefully document what they observe, using body cameras, detailed written reports, and photographic records to create an accurate account of the events.
Interviews should be conducted in a way that allows witnesses to speak freely, without pressure or manipulation, and suspects should be treated according to their legal rights at every stage. Investigators must be willing to pursue leads—even those that challenge their initial theories—and must continuously evaluate new information with an open mind.
Transparency is also key. Evidence collected must be shared fairly with both prosecution and defense, and the entire investigative process should be subject to oversight and review, particularly when serious charges are involved. Ultimately, a good investigation respects not only the pursuit of justice—but the rights and dignity of every person involved.
How Ryan & Miller Holds Investigations Accountable
At Ryan & Miller, we don’t just look at the charges being brought—we look closely at how those charges came to be. We review every step of the investigation to ensure it was conducted with integrity and fairness. That means examining timelines, officer conduct, how evidence was collected, and whether reports align with the facts.
In many of our criminal defense cases, we uncover significant issues in the initial investigation that can change the course of a case entirely. And in civil cases, especially personal injury or wrongful death claims, we often launch our own investigations to ensure nothing has been missed or misrepresented.
Because we know one thing for sure: when the process is flawed, the outcome cannot be trusted.
Conclusion: Justice Demands Better
Police investigations are more than paperwork or procedure. They are the very beginning of the justice process—and if that beginning is compromised, everything that follows is at risk.
The Karen Read trial has reminded us how fragile public confidence can be when police investigations appear biased, incomplete, or self-serving. But this issue goes far beyond one trial. Every day, people face legal consequences based on investigations that may or may not have been done properly.
At Ryan & Miller, we are committed to fighting for fairness from the very start. Whether you’re facing criminal charges or seeking justice in a civil case, our job is to make sure the facts were gathered fairly—and that your rights are respected every step of the way.
If you believe something went wrong in your case, we’re here to help. Because justice starts at the scene—and it should never stop short of the truth.