Crime Scene Protection

At every crime scene it is important that the scene is protected. The purpose of protecting the crime scene is to prevent contamination of evidence. Protecting the scene also prevents individuals other then investigators and officer from enter the scene. If a crime scene was not protected the evidence could be contaminated or an individual could easily walk up to the scene and remove evidence.
Police departments and sheriff offices should provide intensive training on how personnel should properly protect a crime scene. The first responder is mostly likely the officer who is going to secure the crime scene until other investigators arrive. A first responder should approach the scene carefully, and then the officer can begin a preliminary survey