What must be done before evidence collection can begin at a crime scene?

Before evidence collection can begin at a crime scene, securing the scene and assessing it for safety is crucial. This step ensures that the site is protected from contamination, tampering, or any outside interference, which could compromise the integrity of the evidence. It also allows investigators to assess any potential hazards, such as unsafe structures, chemical spills, or the presence of weapons, ensuring that personnel can operate safely.

Securing the crime scene typically involves establishing physical barriers to control access and preventing unauthorized individuals from entering. This action preserves the scene in its original state, which is essential for accurately documenting and collecting evidence that can later be analyzed and presented in court.

While documenting the scene, interviewing witnesses, and other actions are important parts of the investigation, they come after the initial step of ensuring safety and securing the area. If safety is not prioritized first, the risk of injury and evidence compromise increases significantly, which could hinder the effectiveness of the investigation.