Where must PPE be put on during crime scene processing?

Where must PPE be put on during crime scene processing?

• A. Inside the crime scene
• B. After sampling
• C. After removing evidence
• D. Outside of the crime scene

Answer: (D)

PPE should be put on outside the crime scene, before you enter, so you don’t introduce contaminants or carry in fibers, oils, or other materials from outside. Donning gear beforehand protects the integrity of the evidence from the start and also protects you from any hazards you might encounter inside. If PPE is put on after entering, or after sampling, there’s a real risk you’ve already contaminated surfaces or evidence, or exposed yourself and then spread contaminants as you work. Similarly, waiting until after removing evidence defeats the purpose of protection and containment of the scene.

PPE should be put on outside the crime scene, before you enter, so you don’t introduce contaminants or carry in fibers, oils, or other materials from outside. Donning gear beforehand protects the integrity of the evidence from the start and also protects you from any hazards you might encounter inside. If PPE is put on after entering, or after sampling, there’s a real risk you’ve already contaminated surfaces or evidence, or exposed yourself and then spread contaminants as you work. Similarly, waiting until after removing evidence defeats the purpose of protection and containment of the scene.