Why Is It Important to Protect a Crime Scene?

Preservation of evidence is important because it can impact the entire course of a criminal case and its influence can extend well beyond the initial resolution through the appeals process.

Why is it important to secure a crime scene?

One of the most important aspects of securing the crime scene is to preserve the scene with minimal contamination and disturbance of physical evidence. First Responders to an incident should document the placement and/or movement of items at the scene.

Why is it important to preserve the scene?

It is important to consider the need to preserve the scene of the incident for investigation. Actions taken at all stages of an incident may affect the preservation of evidence. Failing to properly secure and manage a scene may allow contamination of the scene, with a resultant loss of evidence.