What is the role of a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) in a case?

• A. Collects and analyzes physical evidence at the scene, documents findings, and assists with reconstruction and court presentation.
• B. Conducts all interviews and detains suspects.
• C. Issues warrants and executes searches.
• D. Writes press releases and handles media.

Answer: (A)

The main role of a Crime Scene Investigator is to secure, collect, and analyze physical evidence at the scene, document findings, and help with reconstruction and presenting the evidence in court. This means carefully gathering items without contaminating them, preserving their integrity through proper chain of custody, and using photographs, sketches, and notes to record every detail. The CSI also works with forensic analysts to interpret the evidence and piece together the sequence of events, then communicates findings to prosecutors and judges through testimony and reports. The other activities described—interviewing and detaining suspects, issuing warrants, or managing media—fall outside the typical CSI scope and are handled by other roles in law enforcement or judicial processes.