North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

Who is responsible for maintaining evidence at a crime scene?

1. The first officer on the scene

2. The detective assigned to the case

3. The forensic team

4. Every officer present

The correct answer is: The first officer on the scene

The responsibility for maintaining evidence at a crime scene primarily falls on the first officer on the scene. This officer has the crucial task of securing the area to prevent contamination or loss of any potential evidence. The actions taken by the first officer are critical in maintaining the integrity of the crime scene, which affects the overall investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings. This officer is trained to establish a perimeter, control access to the scene, and document any changes or observations. By ensuring that no unauthorized individuals enter the area and that the scene remains undisturbed, the first officer helps preserve the physical evidence that may be vital for solving the case. This foundational step sets the stage for further investigative work by detectives and forensic teams who may arrive later to gather more evidence and analyze the scene in detail. While other individuals present, such as detectives and forensic personnel, play significant roles in evidence collection and investigation after the initial response, it is the first officer who bears the initial responsibility for maintaining the integrity of the crime scene.