What is the primary goal of conducting surveillance in criminal investigations?

The primary goal of conducting surveillance in criminal investigations is to gather information and evidence. Surveillance is a critical tool used by private investigators and law enforcement to monitor individuals, locations, or activities to obtain data that can be crucial in building a case. This information can include identifying patterns of behavior, establishing timelines, and capturing evidence that may be used in court. Effective surveillance allows investigators to piece together information that may confirm or refute theories regarding a crime, ultimately aiding in solving the case.

The reason other options are less relevant to the core objective of surveillance is that intimidation of witnesses does not align with the ethical standards required in investigations, nor is it a legitimate purpose of surveillance. Intervening in criminal activities is typically beyond the role of a private investigator, who is tasked primarily with gathering information rather than taking direct action. Documenting law enforcement actions, while potentially important for accountability, is not the primary focus of private investigator surveillance efforts, which concentrate more on evidence gathering and case resolution.