If a forensic examination is going to be conducted, which action should the responding officer arrange?

• A. Schedule transport for the suspect to hospital.
• B. Notify the media about the exam.
• C. How to get to hospital for the exam, inform them an officer can meet them at hospital when they arrive, and ensure there is a change of clothing so the officer can collect.
• D. Immediately release the victim.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is coordinating the forensic exam so evidence is preserved and the survivor is supported during the process. Arranging how the survivor gets to the hospital, having an officer meet them on arrival, and ensuring there is a change of clothing so the officer can collect the original worn garments is the best approach because it keeps the evidence intact and under proper custody from the moment the exam begins. Meeting at the hospital allows medical and forensic staff to start the examination promptly, reduces unnecessary movement, and enables the officer to supervise the evidence collection—such as the survivor’s clothing and any swabs—without risk of contamination or loss. Providing a change of clothing ensures the original clothing worn during the incident can be securely collected, properly labeled, and stored as evidence. This coordination helps protect the survivor’s safety and the integrity of the investigation. Notifying media or releasing the survivor would risk safety and contaminate evidence, and transporting the suspect to the hospital is not the priority for initiating a forensic examination.