What is the general rule during the initial walkthrough of a crime scene?

During the initial walkthrough of a crime scene, the general rule is to "look—but don't touch." This principle is crucial because it allows investigators to observe the scene in its original state without disturbing or altering any evidence. Touching or moving items can compromise their integrity, potentially leading to contamination or the loss of important details that might be crucial to the investigation. By maintaining a neutral stance of observation, investigators can ensure that the crime scene remains intact for proper documentation, analysis, and evidence collection later on.

This approach helps to preserve the context and relationship between pieces of evidence, which can be essential for understanding how the crime occurred. Observations made during the walkthrough can guide subsequent actions, such as determining what needs to be documented, photographed, or collected. In contrast, options that involve interaction with evidence or immediate documentation can lead to significant issues that could affect the investigation's outcome.