What is the primary role of the investigator once a crime is discovered?

The primary role of the investigator when a crime is discovered is to gather and preserve evidence. This is crucial because the strength of a case relies heavily on the quality and integrity of the evidence collected. Investigators are trained to ensure that all relevant evidence is documented, handled, and stored properly to maintain its validity in a court of law. They must follow specific procedures to avoid contamination or alteration of the evidence, which could jeopardize the prosecution's case.

Gathering evidence includes collecting physical items, taking photographs, interviewing witnesses, and compiling reports. This foundational work enables law enforcement agencies to construct a clear narrative of events and identify potential suspects. Without thorough evidence collection, the subsequent steps in the criminal justice process, such as making arrests or conducting trials, would lack the necessary substantiation to proceed effectively.

The other aspects, such as making arrests or determining guilt, typically take place later in the process, reliant on the evidence gathered by the investigator. Conducting the trial is also not part of the investigator's responsibilities, as this is the role of legal professionals in the court system.