What is considered to be the primary goal of a crime scene investigation?

The primary goal of a crime scene investigation is to gather and preserve evidence. This process is crucial because the evidence collected at the crime scene forms the foundation for the entire investigation and prosecution of a crime. Collecting evidence accurately ensures that it remains admissible in court, which can be pivotal for the case's outcome. This includes not only physical evidence like fingerprints, DNA, and weapons but also digital evidence and documentation of the scene itself.

Preserving evidence also involves maintaining the integrity of the scene, which is vital for preventing contamination or loss of critical information that could influence the investigation's direction. Without a systematic approach to collecting and preserving evidence, the effectiveness of the investigation could be significantly compromised, which might hinder any subsequent legal action.

Clearing the crime scene, making arrests, and interviewing witnesses are important components of the overall investigation process, but they hinge upon the thorough and meticulous gathering and preservation of evidence. If evidence isn't handled properly, it can result in a lack of support for witness statements or failure to connect suspects to the crime, ultimately affecting the justice process negatively.