ABSTRACT
Usually, when a crime is reported to the police, a beat ocer responds. e –rst law enforcement ocer who arrives at the scene is usually the most important person in the investigation. is ocer must protect any evidence at the crime scene and protect the scene from contamination. e duties of the –rst police ocer who arrives at the scene of a crime fall into several general categories (Moreau, n.d., p. 20). ese include protecting oneself, caring for the injured, securing and protecting the scene, identifying witnesses and suspects, maintaining control of the scene, establishing contact with headquarters, and preparing notes to document actions and observations for later reference.
