How should evidence be identified and preserved at the scene?

• A. Photograph the scene and then move evidence.
• B. Move evidence to a central area.
• C. Identify and preserve evidence by marking it with cones and restricting access with tape.
• D. Remove tape after initial pass.

Answer: (C)

Identify and preserve evidence by establishing a controlled area and clearly marking items. Marking evidence locations with cones creates a visible boundary, and using tape to restrict access helps keep unauthorized people out. This approach protects the integrity of the scene, preserves the original positions of items, and supports a clear chain of custody by showing exactly what is present and where it was found. It also makes documentation and later reconstruction easier because the scene remains as undisturbed as possible.

Photographing the scene is important, but moving evidence after photographing can change its location and condition, which undermines evidence integrity. Moving evidence to a central area removes its original context, making it harder to interpret. Removing tape after the initial pass relaxes access control and increases the risk of contamination or disturbance.