What can happen if a crime scene is not secured properly?

When a crime scene is not secured properly, the primary risk is the loss or contamination of evidence. An unsecured scene allows unauthorized individuals to enter and potentially alter, remove, or destroy crucial evidence. This could include physical items, biological materials, or even digital footprints that are vital for the investigation. Such contamination can compromise the integrity of the evidence, making it difficult or impossible to use in court, which can lead to challenges in prosecuting the case successfully.

The other options, while relevant to crime scene management, do not address the critical issue of evidence integrity directly. For example, immediate arrest of all individuals present does not inherently tie to the proper securing of the scene and could lead to issues such as detaining innocent individuals without just cause. Identification of witnesses is important but occurs after the scene is secured, and increased safety for civilians may be a benefit of a well-managed scene but does not specifically relate to the consequences of improper securing. Ultimately, ensuring the security of a crime scene is vital to preserving the evidence that can later be used to bring justice.