Why is law enforcement is the prime mover of cjs?

Law enforcement is considered the prime mover of the criminal justice system (CJS) because it is the initial point of interaction between the public and the legal framework. Police officers investigate crimes, gather evidence, and apprehend suspects, effectively determining how cases proceed through the system. Their actions set in motion the processes of prosecution, defense, and eventual adjudication in the courts. Consequently, the effectiveness and integrity of law enforcement significantly influence the overall functioning and perception of the CJS.