What is the primary objective of criminal investigation?

The primary objective of criminal investigation is to gather evidence and identify suspects. This process is essential for solving crimes and involves collecting various forms of evidence, such as physical, testimonial, and documentary evidence, to support the determination of who committed a crime. By identifying suspects through diligent investigation, law enforcement can move forward with the prosecution of offenders and enhance public safety.

In the context of criminal investigations, the collection and analysis of evidence serve not only to establish the facts surrounding a crime but also to ensure that justice is served. This also prevents the possibility of wrongful accusations, as a thorough investigation helps establish a solid foundation of facts upon which a case can be built.

The other options do not capture the essence of criminal investigation. Enforcing traffic laws pertains specifically to traffic enforcement rather than criminal investigations, conducting community surveys relates to understanding community concerns but does not directly address criminal activities, and managing police resources is more about operational efficiency rather than the investigative process itself.