During a post-blast investigation, what is a primary concern for the crime scene investigator?

In a post-blast investigation, the primary concern of the crime scene investigator is to collect probative evidence. This evidence is crucial in determining the cause of the explosion, identifying potential suspects, and establishing a timeline of events. The investigation heavily relies on the analysis of physical evidence such as blast patterns, remnants of explosives, and other materials that can provide insights into how the event occurred.

Collecting probative evidence allows investigators to piece together the scenario leading up to the blast, confirm or refute hypotheses about its origin, and connect it to any individuals who may be responsible. This is essential for not only solving the case but also for any potential legal proceedings that may follow.

While securing the scene from public access, interviewing witnesses, and gathering media coverage are also important aspects of a thorough investigation, they are secondary to the immediate need to collect and preserve evidence that can directly contribute to understanding the incident. Securing the scene ensures that evidence remains uncontaminated, but without the collection of probative evidence, the investigator would lack the foundational elements needed to progress in the case.