Preservation of Evidence
by Why is it so important that evidence be preserved and not contaminated?
Future Use in Court
Contamination of evidence will compromise it and make it inadmissible in court. It is of the utmost importance to properly collect and preserve all evidence.
Chain of Custody
Maintaining the chain of custody also protects the integrity of the evidence. The investigation team must identify all evidence and thoroughly document it with photographs, notes, and sketches before anything is touched. After documentation, careful collection is done.
Prevent Contamination
Personnel must wear protective gear, such as latex gloves, to prevent contamination. Every crime scene is different, so the crime scene personnel must use the safest methods for the circumstances. It is also important that the evidence is packaged properly. For example, anything that is wet must be allowed to air dry prior to packaging.
Furthermore, evidence must be packaged to prevent cross-contamination with other evidence. Following proper procedures will allow evidence to remain admissible in court.
Liked it
-
-
Post Commentcterrell
On January 9, 2012 at 1:27 pm
contamination is very easy if you don’t have the right clothing and gloves.Any kind of improper labeling can cause cross contamination.Good post!
sunshineleo05
On January 9, 2012 at 9:33 pm
You are correct, one must take proper precautions when handling evidence. Not only must you wear protective gear (like gloves, shoe covers, etc) but you must change them often.
Thanks for reading!