When investigating a homicide, which action should be taken first?

Photographing the scene first is crucial in a homicide investigation because it creates a permanent record of the evidence and the scene as it was originally found. This documentation is essential for later analysis, courtroom presentations, and providing context for the circumstances surrounding the incident. Photographs capture critical details that may not be observable after the scene has been altered or evidence has been collected, ensuring that the integrity of the evidence and the scene is maintained.

Once the scene is documented through photographs, other important actions like collecting evidence from the body and the immediate area can be conducted. These subsequent steps are still vital, but having photographic documentation first ensures that there is an unaltered account of the scene for reference throughout the investigation and any potential legal proceedings.