What is the first action to take when a crime scene exists?

• A. Notify a supervisor, medical staff, and/or control room staff
• B. Immediately sweep the area for threats
• C. Enter the scene to render aid
• D. Move any items found at the scene

Answer: (A)

When a crime scene exists, the first step is to get the right people involved so the response is organized and safety and evidence integrity are preserved. Notifying a supervisor, medical staff, and/or control room staff triggers the official incident command, brings in medical aid if needed, and starts the documentation and lockdown procedures that protect the scene. This ensures that responders can be deployed correctly and that investigators can later access a properly preserved site.

Jumping in to sweep for threats or entering to render aid before notifying can put you at risk and may contaminate evidence or disrupt the scene. Moving items found at the scene also risks altering or destroying evidence. The priority is to call in the proper authorities and follow established protocols so the response is controlled and compliant.