OSH Security Practice Test

While working as a Security Guard you are patrolling the perimeter of the property. You come across an apparent crime scene. What is the first thing you should do?

1. Cordon off the area, contain the scene, keep bystanders away and call for the police

2. Call 911

3. Identify witnesses, interview them and prevent them from leaving

4. Put up caution tape, photograph the scene, draw diagrams and collect physical evidence

The correct answer is: Cordon off the area, contain the scene, keep bystanders away and call for the police

The first action to take when encountering an apparent crime scene is to cordon off the area, contain the scene, keep bystanders away, and call for the police. This is crucial for several reasons. By cordoning off the area, you prevent contamination of the crime scene which could hinder any subsequent investigation. Keeping bystanders away ensures that potential evidence remains intact and that witnesses are not influenced or disturbed by external factors. Additionally, alerting the police is essential because they are trained to handle such situations and will take over the investigation from that point. While calling 911 is important, it’s part of a larger protocol that begins with securing the scene. Interviewing witnesses or collecting evidence should only occur after the area has been secured and law enforcement has been notified. These steps help to ensure that the integrity of the crime scene is maintained and that the investigation can proceed effectively without interference.