What are the main steps in crime scene processing?

The main steps in crime scene processing are critical for ensuring that evidence is handled correctly and that the scene is preserved for investigation. The correct choice emphasizes securing the scene first, which is essential for protecting it from contamination and ensuring the integrity of any evidence present.

Documenting evidence follows, which involves taking photographs, sketching the scene, and noting the position of evidence. This documentation is crucial in providing a record that can be scrutinized later for analysis and to support any legal proceedings that may arise.

Next, collecting evidence is a systematic process where forensic professionals gather physical evidence that can include anything from fingerprints to biological samples or clothing. This step must be done meticulously to avoid contamination and ensure that the evidence is admissible in court.

The final step highlighted is preserving evidence. This includes proper storage and chain of custody procedures that ensure that evidence remains unaltered and is available for further analysis or court presentation.

The other options mention elements of crime scene processing, but they either include steps that are not relevant or in the wrong order, which could compromise the integrity of the investigation. For instance, interviewing witnesses or suspects is important but typically happens after the scene is secured and documented, not as a primary processing step.