When preserving a crime scene, what is one of the key actions an officer should take?

One of the key actions an officer should take when preserving a crime scene is to secure and protect the evidence. This is crucial because the integrity of the crime scene must be maintained to ensure that evidence is not contaminated, altered, or destroyed. By securing the scene, officers can control access, prevent unauthorized individuals from entering, and preserve the physical context of the evidence, which can be critical in the investigation and prosecution of the case.

Protecting the evidence allows forensic teams to conduct thorough examinations and ensures that any findings are valid and reliable. This foundational step is essential to uphold the rules of evidence and due process in the legal system, allowing for a fair investigation and potential prosecution. Properly securing the scene safeguards against evidence being compromised, which could lead to difficulties in court or even wrongful conclusions about what occurred during the crime.