MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What should you do first upon determining a scene is a homicide?

1. Search the body for identification

2. Tag and bag evidence in the immediate area

3. Contact the Medical Examiner

4. Secure the scene with crime tape

The correct answer is: Contact the Medical Examiner

The appropriate action to take first upon determining that a scene is a homicide is to secure the scene with crime tape. This step is crucial because it preserves the integrity of the scene for investigation. By securing the area, you prevent contamination or alteration of evidence that could be pivotal in understanding what transpired. While searching the body for identification, tagging and bagging evidence, and contacting the Medical Examiner are all important aspects of the investigation process, they are secondary to establishing a secure perimeter. Once the scene is secured, it ensures that all subsequent actions can be carried out without compromising potential evidence or the investigation itself. This foundational step is essential for a thorough and effective homicide investigation.