principle to do no harm, to both the crime scene (do not contaminate, do not touch anything, and wear protective gear before entering the scene), and to persons (assess all risks before to enter the scene, and provide first aid, if necessary, immediately upon your arrival). The checklist for unofficial investigators below builds on the best practices discussed in this Handbook: 1. If possible, refer the scene to a professional investigator 2. Pack all necessary tools and equipment (see Section 2.2.6) 3. Perform a risk assessment to ensure personal safety and the safety of others (see Section 2.2.1) 4. Determine whether the scene can be safely entered and identify a common approach path and escape route (see Section 2.2.2) 5. Remain alert and attentive 6. Do no harm and provide first aid where required (see Section 2.1.1) 7. If possible, restrict access to the crime scene 8. Record information on who enters and exits the scene 9. Ensure that the scene, including any items in it, is left untouched 10. Do not contaminate the scene; use personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, protective clothing, etc.). Bring plastic, sealable bags, anti-static bag, bubble bag, and breathable bags, as well as sealing tape 11. Document the scene as first encountered by using photography or video images (see Section 3.1.3) 12. Use a data collection and preservation application if possible, such as those discussed in Section 3.1.2. 3.2.2 Securing a Crime Scene To secure the crime scene, identify the “focal” or central point of the crime scene. This is the main area of disturbance or specific location where the crime occurred. For example, it may be a specific room in a building, a specific place in an open field, a specific part of a room e.g. the bed. Radiating out from that point, but without walking on the crime scene, establish an area that is sizeable enough to likely contain all relevant physical evidence that may be present. If possible, cordon this area off with a physical barrier, and establish a common entry point. Be careful, however, that using indigenous objects to the crime scene to cordon it might compromise it instead. Unofficial investigators should try their best to preserve the integrity of the crime scene and the information in it as it is, 78