Uniformed officers are typically the first police personnel to arrive at a crime scene. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the scene is safe both for them and other first responders to enter and for any victims, witnesses, suspects, or members of the general public who may be present. In the case of a violent crime, for example, where an armed suspect is present at the scene and poses an immediate threat to police or others, this may involve some officers setting up a secure perimeter, while other officers directly confront the suspect and attempt to take him or her into custody.

In other situations, it may be more appropriate for the first officers to respond to “contain” the scene by setting up a secure cordon of police officers around it, and then call for specialized officers, such as tactical or canine officers to attend the scene and ensure its safety.

This module will discuss the various protocols and procedures to ensure a safe, secure crime scene form the onset of police officers and other emergency personnel arrival.