What is the first step in preserving a crime scene?

• A. Photograph and document conditions
• B. Secure the scene
• C. Collect and package evidence properly
• D. Maintain chain of custody

Answer: (B)

Securing the scene is the first step because it establishes control of the area and prevents unauthorized access, which protects evidence from contamination, loss, or tampering. By setting a boundary and logging who enters or leaves, investigators preserve the integrity of the scene so everything found there remains in the same condition it was at the time of discovery. Once the scene is secured, you can properly photograph and document conditions, search for and collect evidence, package items correctly, and maintain an accurate chain of custody for each piece of evidence. If the area isn’t secured first, any later efforts to document or collect evidence risk altering or destroying what needs to be preserved.