What is an important practice when collecting multiple pieces of evidence?

Assigning one container per item is a crucial practice when collecting multiple pieces of evidence because it helps maintain the integrity of each piece throughout the investigation process. By keeping items separate, it reduces the risk of contamination, cross-contamination, or loss of evidence. Different types of evidence can have distinct handling and storage requirements, and using separate containers ensures that each item is preserved in its original condition for analysis and legal proceedings.

This method also aids in the chain of custody, making it easier to track each piece of evidence from the point of collection to its presentation in court. Maintaining this chain is vital for the credibility of the evidence and the overall investigation.

In contrast, collecting everything with bare hands poses a significant risk of altering or contaminating the evidence. Utilizing a single container can lead to the mixing of different types of evidence, decreasing their evidentiary value. Mixing evidence types can compromise the validity of each piece, making it difficult to establish accurate connections in a case. Thus, assigning one container per item is an essential practice in evidence collection.