What is the main focus of a detective when gathering evidence?

The primary focus of a detective when gathering evidence is to ensure the evidence is sufficient for prosecution. This entails collecting, preserving, and analyzing evidence in a manner that meets legal standards, so it can be effectively used in court. Detectives are tasked with building a case that can hold up against scrutiny during legal proceedings, which requires thorough documentation and a deep understanding of evidentiary rules.

Crafting a narrative for the court may be a part of the overall process of case development, but it is secondary to the critical goal of substantiating the evidence in accordance with legal requirements. Properly handling the crime scene is also vital, but it does not encompass the detective's primary focus on evidence that supports prosecution. Intimidating witnesses runs counter to ethical standards in law enforcement and would compromise the integrity of the investigation, making it an inappropriate focus for any responsible detective. Thus, ensuring the evidence is sufficient for prosecution stands out as the essential objective in a detective's work.