What is NOT considered a primary objective of criminal investigations?

Determining public opinion is not considered a primary objective of criminal investigations because the focus of such investigations is primarily on factual and evidence-based processes aimed at solving crimes. Investigators typically aim to gather evidence, identify suspects, preserve any potential physical evidence, and recover stolen property as part of their core responsibilities. These objectives are crucial for building a solid case for prosecution and ensuring that justice is served.

In contrast, while understanding public opinion may be useful in some contexts, such as public relations or community engagement, it does not directly influence the processes of individual criminal investigations. The core principles driving investigations are rooted in fact-finding and evidence collection rather than gauging societal perspectives or sentiment surrounding a crime. Therefore, this makes determining public opinion a secondary consideration rather than a primary objective in criminal investigations.