What is the purpose of a stakeout?

A stakeout is primarily conducted to observe suspicious individuals or locations with the intent of gathering evidence of criminal activity. This method allows investigators to discreetly monitor behavior, movements, and interactions that might be relevant to an ongoing investigation. Stakeouts can provide crucial insights and documentation of illegal activities as they occur in real-time, which is essential for building a case.

While other options involve important investigative tasks, they do not align with the specific purpose of a stakeout. Conducting interviews, inspecting crime scenes, and collecting witness statements are all vital components of criminal investigations but are separate from the observational and surveillance focus that characterizes a stakeout. By maintaining a covert presence, investigators can capture evidence that might otherwise be missed during direct interactions or examinations.