What should an officer do when the media arrives at a crime scene?

When a police officer encounters media personnel at a crime scene, the primary responsibility is to ensure public safety and maintain the integrity of the investigation, which is why securing the crime scene is crucial. This involves establishing physical barriers and controlling access to the area, preventing contamination of evidence and ensuring that the investigation can proceed without outside interference.

It is essential that the officer first manages the scene to protect both the evidence and the details of the case, as premature communication can lead to misinformation and compromise ongoing investigations. Once the scene is secured and immediate public safety is addressed, the officer can then proceed to handle media inquiries appropriately, following departmental protocols for communication.

The other options are not suitable responses; providing statements immediately before securing the scene can jeopardize evidence, inviting media to investigate undermines the police authority and could risk the integrity of the crime scene, while ignoring inquiries can create confusion and frustration, hampering the relationship between law enforcement and the media. In summary, securing the crime scene is the first and most important action for an officer in this scenario.