Why is it important to secure a crime scene?

Securing a crime scene is crucial primarily to maintain the chain of custody of evidence. This process ensures that any physical evidence collected from the scene is properly documented, collected, preserved, and protected from contamination or tampering. The integrity of the evidence is fundamental for legal proceedings, as it must be shown to be reliable and unaltered from the moment it is collected until it is presented in court. If the chain of custody is broken—meaning that any individual involved in handling the evidence has not followed proper protocol—the validity of that evidence can be called into question, potentially jeopardizing an investigation or prosecution.

While preventing media access, ensuring uniformity of witness statements, and eliminating personal bias are all important aspects of a thorough investigation, they do not directly address the primary goal of preserving physical evidence. The chain of custody is not only essential for the investigation but also vital for maintaining public trust in the judicial system, as it underscores the importance of following procedures in collecting and handling evidence.