Which of the following best defines the role of witness management at crime scenes?

The role of witness management at crime scenes primarily involves maintaining a detailed record of witness statements. This is crucial as witness statements are essential for investigators to gather accurate and reliable information about the events surrounding the crime. By properly documenting what witnesses observed, law enforcement can build a strong case that may be used in court. This detailed record not only helps in corroborating evidence but also ensures that the accounts provided by witnesses are preserved in their original form, which is vital for any legal proceedings that may follow.

While gaining public trust and engaging witnesses in the investigation can be valuable aspects of a broader strategy in law enforcement, they do not specifically define witness management as it pertains to crime scenes. Encouraging witnesses to remain active on social media is unrelated to the responsibilities and challenges faced in gathering and managing witness statements at a crime scene. Therefore, the focus on maintaining detailed records clearly aligns with the key function of witness management in this context.