What should be the first step upon discovering a crime scene?

The first step upon discovering a crime scene should be to alert emergency services if necessary. This step is crucial because the safety of individuals involved, including potential victims, witnesses, and law enforcement personnel, is the top priority. If there are injuries or an ongoing threat, immediate medical assistance or law enforcement response is required to secure the scene and protect lives.

This step sets the stage for all subsequent actions in handling the crime scene. Once emergency services are notified, they can assess the situation, provide necessary medical attention, and secure the area, ensuring that evidence is preserved and not contaminated. When the scene has been secured and the immediate needs addressed, further actions such as documenting evidence, assessing the area, or searching for suspects can be effectively performed.