What is one of the primary responsibilities of a Crime Scene Investigator?

One of the primary responsibilities of a Crime Scene Investigator is to collect evidence. This task involves carefully gathering a variety of physical evidence from the crime scene, which can include fingerprints, DNA samples, weapons, and any materials that may provide clues about the crime. The quality and integrity of the evidence collected are crucial for the investigative process and can significantly influence the outcome of a criminal case. Proper evidence collection follows systematic procedures to ensure that it is admissible in court and can withstand scrutiny during legal proceedings.

While interviewing witnesses is also an important part of criminal investigations, it is typically carried out by detectives rather than Crime Scene Investigators who focus more on the physical aspects of the scene. Conducting arrests is the responsibility of law enforcement personnel, and while testimony is an integral part of legal procedures, Crime Scene Investigators may testify in both criminal and civil cases depending on their findings and expertise.