What is the primary goal of a criminal investigation?

The primary goal is to gather evidence, identify suspects, and determine the facts of a crime to ensure justice is served through legal prosecution.

Who typically conducts criminal investigations?

Criminal investigations are primarily conducted by law enforcement officers, detectives, federal agents (e.g., FBI), and specialized forensic teams.

What role does forensic science play in investigations?

Forensic science involves applying scientific methods to analyze physical evidence (like DNA, fingerprints, ballistics) to help solve crimes and link suspects to incidents.

What are the common stages of a criminal investigation?

Common stages include initial response, securing the crime scene, evidence collection and preservation, interviewing witnesses, suspect identification, and case presentation to prosecutors.

How important is evidence in a criminal investigation?

Evidence is paramount; it forms the foundation for building a case, proving guilt or innocence, and ensuring a fair and just legal process.