What roles do PSOs have regarding crime scene protection?

The role of Protective Security Officers (PSOs) in the context of crime scene protection is primarily to ensure that the scene is secure until law enforcement arrives. This responsibility is crucial as it helps to maintain the integrity of the crime scene, preventing contamination or destruction of evidence that could be essential for investigations.

When PSOs secure a crime scene, they typically establish a perimeter to restrict access to authorized personnel only, preventing unauthorized individuals from entering the area. By doing this, they help preserve all the details and evidence present at the scene, which may assist law enforcement in their investigative efforts.

This role does not involve actively investigating the scene, collecting evidence personally, or documenting personal observations in a formal capacity, as these functions are primarily the responsibilities of law enforcement professionals who are trained for those specific tasks. Thus, ensuring scene security is a fundamental aspect of a PSO's duties in supporting law enforcement activities.