What is the main duty of a crime scene investigator?

The primary responsibility of a crime scene investigator is to collect and analyze physical evidence. This crucial role involves a meticulous process of securing the crime scene, ensuring that it is preserved for investigation, and gathering various types of evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, and ballistic materials. The objective is to build a comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired, which is essential for solving the crime and supporting prosecution efforts. Analyzing the physical evidence is vital, as it often provides the most direct link to the perpetrator and the events that took place.

While interviewing witnesses and suspects, patrolling crime-prone areas, and managing media relations are also important aspects of law enforcement and criminal investigation, they fall under the responsibilities of other roles within the field. The focus of a crime scene investigator is primarily on the tangible evidence found at the scene, which is foundational for further investigative work. This specialization is what distinguishes their role within the broader criminal justice system.