Tread carefully around crime scenes this festive season
The police have an important role in controlling, identifying, and removing persons at the crime scene and limiting the number of people who enter the crime scene to protect the integrity of the crime scene.
WHENEVER you come across a crime scene and interfere, you can inadvertently affect it, and the case.
The first responder at the scene of a crime has a protocol filled task to secure and preserve the crime scene and the evidence therein.
According to Malvern SAPS, communications officer, Warrant Officer Radhika Marimuthu, crime scenes are cordoned off for the preservation of evidence so that its integrity, handling, packaging and continuity of possession is not compromised in any way.
Also read: Tips to protect yourself from crime in malls
“There are rules to be observed to protect the integrity of the evidence at the crime scene. Emotion can overcome a person at a sensational crime and people are cautioned to display respect to the first responder, the detectives and other integral role players at the crime scene,” added W/O Marimuthu.
“The area will be cordoned off by crime scene tapes, cones and police personnel standing off at the scene. This should be respected and seen by the public as a barrier from entering the crime scene and trampling the evidence.
“The police have an important role in controlling, identifying, and removing persons at the crime scene and limiting the number of persons who enter the crime scene to protect the integrity of the crime scene,” said W/O Marimuthu.
Also read: Respect that a crime scene has to be secured, says Malvern SAPS
Never block the entry of police, paramedics and other integral role players at the scene.
Malvern SAPS station commander, Lt-Col Valarine Reddy reiterated that rules of the crime scene must be observed.
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