Police Entrance Practice Exam

What purpose does a crime scene investigation serve?

1. To arrest suspects immediately

2. To collect and preserve evidence

3. To conduct interviews with witnesses

4. To recover stolen property

The correct answer is: To collect and preserve evidence

The primary purpose of a crime scene investigation is to collect and preserve evidence. This is crucial because evidence is the foundation upon which investigations, arrests, and legal proceedings are built. Properly collecting and securing evidence ensures that it remains uncontaminated and can later be used in court to establish the facts of the case. This process includes documenting the scene, photographing it, noting all relevant details, and physically collecting items of significance that could provide insight into the crime. While arresting suspects, interviewing witnesses, and recovering stolen property are all important components of the overall investigative process, they are secondary to the fundamental goal of gathering and preserving evidence at the crime scene. Effective evidence collection allows for a more thorough investigation, which can lead to successful prosecution and the delivery of justice.