Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) Practice Exam 2025

What should you do to protect evidence at a crime scene?

1. Allow bystanders to enter

2. Keep other security professionals away

3. Share information with the public

4. Record evidence on social media

The correct answer is: Keep other security professionals away

To protect evidence at a crime scene, it is crucial to maintain a secure perimeter that minimizes the risk of contamination or tampering. By keeping other security professionals away, you help ensure that only authorized personnel handle or approach the evidence. This is essential because unnecessary access can lead to alterations, loss, or destruction of vital information that is critical for investigations. Moreover, proper handling and preservation of evidence are paramount in any investigation, as this can significantly affect the outcomes in legal proceedings. Maintaining control over who enters the scene safeguards the integrity of evidence, allowing investigators to reconstruct events accurately and obtain reliable information. This practice is vital not only for the current investigation but also for any potential prosecution that may arise from the incident. In contrast, allowing bystanders to enter, sharing information with the public, or posting on social media poses various risks, including evidence contamination and the potential for misinformation or panic. These actions can undermine the investigation and disrupt the entire process of gathering and analyzing evidence.