Field test results are primarily used to?

Field test results are primarily used to confirm the nature of evidence collected. This is crucial in law enforcement because it ensures that officers can accurately identify substances or items at the scene of an incident. For instance, if an officer finds a substance they suspect to be illegal narcotics, a field test can help ascertain whether that assumption is correct before proceeding with further action, such as making an arrest or processing the evidence for court.

Accurate determination of evidence is essential for building a strong case, as it provides foundational information that impacts all subsequent investigative steps, including documentation and legal proceedings. By confirming the nature of evidence collected, officers enhance the integrity and reliability of the criminal justice process.

While the other options touch on various aspects of police work, they do not directly relate to the primary purpose of field testing. Authorizing search and seizure is more about procedural legality, summarizing stolen vehicle complaints relates to record-keeping, and documenting interviews focuses on the procedural documentation of interactions rather than the analysis of physical evidence.