What is the top priority in scene safety during an investigation?

In any investigation, particularly those involving death, scene safety is paramount. Ensuring that the environment is safe to operate in is critical before any other actions can take place. This is because investigators, medical examiners, and law enforcement personnel need to protect their own physical well-being while performing their duties.

A toxic environment could refer to various hazards such as chemical spills, gases, or unsafe structural conditions that could pose risks to health or life. If investigators were to proceed with evidence collection, witness interviews, or documentation without confirming that the scene is free from these dangers, they might expose themselves to potential harm, which could hinder the investigation or lead to injuries.

Addressing scene safety first enables investigators to work effectively without unexpected hazards that could lead to accidents or compromise their ability to gather accurate information. Once safety is established, other investigative activities can be conducted without the risk of putting personnel in harm's way.