American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

What is typically the first priority at a homicide death scene?

1. Securing and protecting the scene

2. Establishing a command center

3. Interviewing witnesses

4. Administering first aid to any injured persons

The correct answer is: Securing and protecting the scene

Securing and protecting the scene is the first priority at a homicide death scene because it is essential to preserve evidence for investigation. Once the scene is secured, investigators can then methodically document and analyze the area for any pertinent information that may contribute to the understanding of the circumstances surrounding the death. By establishing a secure perimeter, unauthorized personnel are kept away, reducing the risk of contamination or loss of crucial evidence. This includes physical evidence such as any potential weapons, biological samples, or other materials relevant to the case. Without this initial step, the integrity of the investigation could be compromised, making it challenging to establish the facts and hold individuals accountable for the crime. While establishing a command center, interviewing witnesses, and administering first aid are important components of homicide response, they are secondary to the immediate need to secure the scene, which lays the groundwork for all subsequent investigative actions.