Once the suspect is in custody, he/she may be identified by the victim or witnesses, and may make a statement to the police. The defendant will always be searched, and the officers are entitled to seize any contraband or evidence found during the search. Evidence includes the proceeds of the crime, any tools used to commit the crime, distinctive clothing, or other items that help to connect the defendant with the crime, the victim or with the scene of the crime.

Once transported to the jail, the suspect will be fingerprinted. At that time, the arresting officer also prepares the arrest report, the complaint report, and other police forms.