What is the goal of the investigation process?

The goal of the investigation process is fundamentally to gather facts about a crime. This involves collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing all available information to piece together what occurred. The primary focus during an investigation is to establish the circumstances of the crime, identify suspects, and build a case that can stand up in court. This process is crucial in law enforcement, as it lays the groundwork for subsequent actions, including arrests, prosecution, and delivering justice.

On the other hand, while creating public awareness of crime, issuing public safety announcements, or training officers on community engagement are important aspects of law enforcement, they do not directly capture the essential objective of the investigation process itself. Those activities may stem from the findings of an investigation, but they are not the core focus of gathering information about specific criminal incidents.