What is the primary responsibility of a crime scene investigator?

The primary responsibility of a crime scene investigator is to collect and analyze evidence. This role is crucial in the criminal justice system, as crime scene investigators work meticulously to document, collect, and preserve physical evidence from crime scenes. Their activities include photographing the scene, sketching the layout, collecting items such as fingerprints, blood samples, weapons, and other trace evidence, and then analyzing these materials in a laboratory setting.

The analysis provides critical information that can link a suspect to the crime, exonerate innocent individuals, or establish a timeline of events. By thoroughly processing evidence, crime scene investigators help ensure that the findings can support the prosecution or defense in court, making their responsibility foundational to the investigation and legal process.

In contrast, while issuing citations, interviewing witnesses, and enforcing traffic laws are important tasks within law enforcement, they do not define the core function of a crime scene investigator. Their work is distinctly focused on evidence management at crime scenes rather than the broader duties associated with law enforcement activities.