After a criminal investigator arrives on the scene of a crime, his or her first priority is:
A. arresting the guilty party.
B. life safety and assisting victims in need of aid.
C. collecting evidence and taking photographs.
D. interviewing witnesses.
I am torn between answers C & D
I disagree.
To determine the correct answer, let's break down each option and consider the investigative process for a crime scene.
Option A: Arresting the guilty party. While apprehending the suspect is a crucial step in the investigation, it is not typically the first priority upon arrival at the scene. Collecting evidence and ensuring the safety of everyone involved are generally prioritized before making an arrest.
Option B: Life safety and assisting victims in need of aid. Ensuring the well-being of victims and providing aid is a critical task for any criminal investigator. This prioritizes the immediate needs and safety of the individuals affected by the crime. However, it may not be the investigator's very first priority upon arrival.
Option C: Collecting evidence and taking photographs. Effective evidence collection is a vital step in any criminal investigation. This usually involves documenting the scene, gathering physical evidence, and taking photographs to preserve and document any potential evidence. This step is often considered one of the initial priorities to prevent the loss or contamination of evidence.
Option D: Interviewing witnesses. Gathering information from eyewitnesses is an important aspect of a criminal investigation. However, witnesses may need time to process the situation and may not be immediately available upon the investigator's arrival.
Considering these options, the correct answer is typically option B: life safety and assisting victims in need of aid. Ensuring the safety and well-being of the individuals involved is usually the investigator's primary concern upon arriving at a crime scene. Once the immediate safety needs are addressed, the investigator can proceed with collecting evidence, taking photographs, and interviewing witnesses to build a case against the guilty party.