According to the authors, to exclude reporters, government officials, curiosity seekers, as well as superior police officers who are not directly involved in an investigation is to ensure that a crime scene is ___.

Answer: properly protected

Explanation:

Crime scene can be defined as the place where potential and tangible evidences related to crime can be found. Usually the crime scene is protected and sealed with a barrigating tape to prevent the unwanted entry of family members, friends, animals and other people. This is done to retain the integrity of the crime scene and to prevent the contamination of scene. Any unwanted entry may affect the evidences which can hamper the legal proceedings.

According to the given situation, the reporters, government officials, curiosity seekers must be prevented from entering the crime scene.