What is the role of a crime lab in a criminal investigation?

The role of a crime lab in a criminal investigation is multifaceted and essential in supporting law enforcement efforts. While providing legal advice is not typically within the scope of a crime lab's responsibilities, it can assist investigators and attorneys by providing scientifically derived evidence that may have legal implications.

Establishing suspects is part of the investigative process, but the primary job of a crime lab is to analyze evidence that may lead to identifying individuals involved in a crime. This means using forensic techniques to examine physical evidence collected from crime scenes, which can provide links to potential suspects.

Connecting evidence is a crucial function of the crime lab, as forensic analysis helps to establish relationships between various pieces of evidence. By analyzing biological, chemical, and physical evidence, a crime lab can demonstrate how evidence is related to both the crime and suspects, thereby helping investigators build a coherent narrative of the event.

In summary, the comprehensive role of a crime lab integrates these functions, confirming its importance in solving cases and contributing to the judicial process. Thus, the option indicating that all these roles are part of what a crime lab does effectively captures the essence of its contribution to criminal investigations.