MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

As the first officer at a scene with a fatality, after positioning your vehicle, what should you prioritize next?

1. Arrange flares and start directing traffic away from the scene

2. Radio dispatch and proceed to the hospital

3. Control the crowd at the scene to prevent contamination

4. Start taking witness statements immediately

The correct answer is: Control the crowd at the scene to prevent contamination

Prioritizing crowd control at a scene with a fatality is crucial for several reasons. The presence of onlookers can lead to contamination of the scene, which is essential for preserving evidence related to the incident. Maintaining the integrity of the scene is vital for investigators who will need to analyze the circumstances surrounding the fatality, and unregulated crowd behavior can disrupt this process. Controlling the crowd also serves to mitigate any potential emotional distress that may arise from the situation. It helps ensure that witnesses remain available for statements without interference and reduces the risk of information being lost or distorted due to the presence of people who might not have been directly involved. This means securing the scene—by keeping it clear of unnecessary personnel—enables officers to gather the necessary evidence and conduct their duties effectively without distractions or disruptions. The other options, while relevant to the scene management, do not take precedence immediately after securing the area. Directing traffic or notifying dispatch might be important, but ensuring that the scene itself remains undisturbed is a foundational step that must occur first. Witness statements are also critical, but they should be collected after crowd control has been established to ensure clear and accurate accounts of what transpired.