Which practice is recommended for evidence preservation at the scene?

• A. Remove evidence to a safe location
• B. Wait for arrest
• C. Post a guard to limit access
• D. Isolate the area with tape

Answer: (C)

Evidence at a scene must be protected by controlling access to prevent contamination and preserve the chain of custody. Posting a guard to limit access provides active, ongoing oversight, so you can log who enters and leaves, verify credentials, and ensure that only authorized personnel handle or move items. This physical presence helps deter tampering, preserve the original context of evidence, and support investigators in reconstructing events accurately.

While establishing a boundary with tape is a useful initial step, it relies on someone to enforce it consistently. A guard offers continuous monitoring and accountability, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the scene. Options like moving evidence to a different location or waiting for an arrest don’t address preservation and can compromise the evidence and scene documentation.