MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

When is it appropriate to exclude non-essential persons from a crime scene?

1. During the initial assessment

2. At all times

3. Only during evidence collection

4. When a suspect is present

The correct answer is: During the initial assessment

Excluding non-essential persons from a crime scene is essential to preserve the integrity of the scene and the evidence it contains. The correct choice, which states that this exclusion is appropriate during the initial assessment, reflects the necessity of maintaining control over the scene immediately after a crime has been committed. During the initial assessment, law enforcement personnel evaluate the situation, secure the scene, and determine what evidence needs to be collected. This is a critical period when it is important to minimize potential contamination or alteration of any physical evidence. By removing non-essential individuals—those who do not have an investigative or legal reason to be present—officers help ensure that witnesses, evidence, and the general chain of custody remain intact and untainted. In contrast, the other options suggest inappropriate timing or conditions for exclusion. Excluding people at all times would not allow for witnesses or necessary personnel to perform their roles in the investigation. Stating that exclusion should only happen during evidence collection neglects the importance of securing the scene from the outset, and only excluding individuals when a suspect is present can result in critical evidence being compromised before it can be documented or collected.