What is the primary goal of forensic technology in criminal investigations?

The primary goal of forensic technology in criminal investigations is to gather, preserve, and analyze digital evidence. This involves the application of various techniques and tools to retrieve data from digital devices such as computers, smartphones, and servers. The integrity and accuracy of this digital evidence are crucial since they can serve as foundational elements in legal proceedings. Forensic technology plays a critical role in identifying, authenticating, and analyzing digital artifacts that may illuminate the circumstances surrounding a crime or provide insights into the behavior and actions of involved parties.

In contrast, interrogating suspects and examining physical evidence pertain more to traditional investigative methods, while providing psychological profiles of criminals generally falls under criminal psychology rather than forensic technology. These other elements may support an investigation, but they do not encapsulate the essential and defining purpose of forensic technology, which is grounded in handling digital evidence.