Which of the following is a major task that the first responder must be concerned with?

The primary responsibility of the first responder at a crime scene is to protect the crime scene itself. This task is crucial because it helps to preserve the integrity of the evidence that may be collected later. By securing the area, the first responder prevents contamination, tampering, or loss of evidence, which could affect the investigation and any ensuing legal proceedings.

Protecting the crime scene allows forensic teams and investigators to conduct a thorough examination and collect evidence in a controlled manner. This includes ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the scene and that any potential evidence remains undisturbed.

While securing the perimeter is also important and is a part of protecting the crime scene, it is not the sole focus. Similarly, interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence are critical steps that occur later in the investigative process. The priority lies in safeguarding the scene to ensure that all subsequent activities can be carried out effectively. Thus, the act of protecting the crime scene is essential to the overall success of the investigation.