What are best practices for evidence handling in the field?

• A. Collect all items and place them in a single bag.
• B. Leave evidence at the scene until a later time.
• C. Secure collection, proper packaging and labeling, minimizing contamination, and maintaining an auditable chain of custody.
• D. Handle evidence with bare hands.

Answer: (C)

Preserving the integrity of evidence from collection through storage is essential. The best practice focuses on securing collection, using proper packaging and labeling, minimizing contamination, and maintaining an auditable chain of custody. This approach protects the evidence from damage or mix-ups, makes sure each item is clearly identified and traceable, and records every person who handled it and when. By doing so, the evidence remains reliable and admissible in court. The other options fail because putting all items in one bag risks cross-contamination and mixing items; leaving evidence at the scene delays processing and increases the chance of degradation or loss; handling with bare hands introduces contamination and can obscure traces.