Final answer:
Police officers secure the crime scene and gather initial information, while crime scene investigators collect and document evidence. Medical examiners determine the cause of death through autopsy and other forensic analyses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Roles of Professionals at a Crime Scene
The roles of various professionals at a crime scene are critical to the investigation of criminal activities. Each person's responsibilities are distinguished by their expertise and contribute to solving the crime.
Police Officer: The initial responder who secures the scene, detains persons of interest, and collects initial statements.
Crime Scene Investigator: A specialist who meticulously documents the scene, collects physical evidence, and ensures its preservation for lab analysis.
Medical Examiner: Also known as a forensic pathologist, this is a physician who determines the cause of death through autopsy, applying knowledge of disease, toxins, and other factors relevant to the situation.
Each role supports a thorough examination of the crime scene from securing and documenting, to analyzing physical evidence and interpreting the medical cause of death, culminating in a comprehensive understanding of the crime that took place.