What is the primary purpose of packaging evidence individually?

The primary purpose of packaging evidence individually is to prevent contamination. When evidence is collected from a crime scene, it is crucial to maintain its integrity to ensure that it can be reliably used in criminal investigations and court proceedings. By packaging each item separately, law enforcement can minimize the risk that different pieces of evidence will interact with one another, potentially altering or cross-contaminating them. This practice also helps preserve the original condition of each piece of evidence, which is vital for forensic analysis.

Forensic scientists rely on uncontaminated evidence to make accurate determinations regarding a case. If evidence were improperly stored or mixed, it could lead to unreliable results, which could undermine the investigation and prosecution. Thus, maintaining the purity of evidence through individual packaging is a fundamental procedure in criminal justice systems, including South Dakota's law enforcement practices.