Which of the following is part of the standard police function at an environmental incident?

The correct answer focuses on the critical role of law enforcement in managing environmental incidents, which includes stopping crime and securing evidence. This function is crucial because environmental incidents can often involve illegal activities such as pollution, illegal dumping, or violations of environmental regulations. By stopping any ongoing criminal activity, officers can help prevent further damage to the environment and ensure that the situation does not escalate.

Furthermore, securing evidence is imperative in these cases to support any legal proceedings that may arise from the incident. Proper evidence collection helps in pursuing charges against perpetrators and in holding them accountable for their actions. Law enforcement's engagement in evidence gathering also serves to document the incident for future reference and assists other agencies in their investigation and remediation efforts.

While public engagement and other actions may play a role in the overall response to an environmental incident, the primary responsibility of law enforcement centers on the preservation of public safety and the enforcement of laws. Collecting fines and issuing permits are typically the responsibilities of regulatory agencies rather than law enforcement. Thus, the emphasis on stopping crime and securing evidence rightly aligns with the standard police function in the context of an environmental incident.