Name a key step in preserving evidence at a scene?

• A. Immediately bagging all items without labeling.
• B. Photographing only the exterior of the scene.
• C. Securing the scene, limiting access, and properly packaging and labeling items for transport.
• D. Waiting for a supervisor's approval before securing items.

Answer: (C)

When preserving evidence, protecting its integrity from the start is crucial. The best step is to secure the scene, limit access to only authorized personnel, and then package and label items properly for transport. Securing the scene prevents tampering and disturbance, while restricting access reduces contamination and keeps each item in its original condition. Proper packaging and labeling ensures a clear chain of custody and prevents mix-ups, with evidence placed in appropriate containers, sealed, and documented with case number, item description, date and time, and the collector’s initials. This approach keeps evidence admissible and traceable. The other options fail because bagging everything without labeling risks losing track of items and their provenance, photographing only the exterior misses crucial internal evidence, and waiting for supervisor approval before securing items can allow contamination or loss to occur.