What should not happen to evidence at a crime scene?

Preserving evidence intact is crucial to the integrity of a crime scene investigation. This means that evidence must be collected, handled, and stored in such a way that it remains in its original condition, free from contamination, tampering, or degradation. Any alteration or disturbance can significantly impact the quality and reliability of the evidence, which may lead to challenges in court.

Effective preservation involves using proper techniques and containers to prevent any physical or chemical changes to the evidence. This is to ensure that it can be accurately analyzed later and can withstand scrutiny during legal proceedings. Maintaining the integrity of evidence is a foundational principle of forensic science and criminal investigation.

In contrast, immediate analysis of evidence may not always be feasible or practical, proper documentation must occur concurrently with collection rather than later, and displaying evidence for public view can compromise its integrity, making these options less appropriate in the context of crime scene protocols.