What is the purpose of a criminal investigation?
The purpose of a criminal investigation is to find evidence that can be used at trial to determine whether or not a person is guilty of a crime. In Pennsylvania, criminal investigations are typically conducted by police officers, detectives, or other law enforcement personnel. During a criminal investigation, law enforcement personnel will collect evidence from the scene of the crime or from witnesses. This evidence can include photos, videos, or statements from witnesses, as well as physical evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, or weapons. The investigation may also include interviewing suspects, conducting surveillance, and performing search warrants. The ultimate goal of a criminal investigation is to present enough evidence to the prosecutor’s office to convince them to press charges against the suspect. This evidence will then be used to prove the suspect’s guilt or innocence at trial. The criminal investigation should also help to identify any potential defense strategies that could be used by the suspect. In Pennsylvania, the criminal investigation is the first step in the criminal justice system and the evidence collected by law enforcement personnel can be critical in determining whether or not the suspect is guilty of the charges. With this in mind, it is important that law enforcement personnel conduct a thorough and unbiased criminal investigation as this evidence can ultimately be the deciding factor in whether or not a suspect is convicted of a crime.
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