What should be avoided during the transport of evidence to ensure its integrity?

In the context of transporting evidence, avoiding extreme conditions is crucial to maintaining its integrity. Extreme temperatures—whether too hot or too cold—can alter the physical and chemical properties of certain types of evidence, such as biological samples or narcotics. For instance, heat can degrade the potency of drugs, while freezing temperatures might compromise biological specimen viability. Consistency in environmental control helps ensure that the evidence remains in the same condition as when it was collected, thereby preserving its evidentiary value for future analysis or court presentation.

While long travel distances, exposure to sunlight, and multiple handling can also impact evidence integrity, extreme conditions pose a more direct threat to the core properties of many types of evidence. For instance, sunlight can affect certain materials, but the effects of heat or extreme cold can have broader and more serious implications for the evidence as a whole. Each aspect of transport needs to be managed carefully, but prioritizing avoidance of extreme environmental conditions is key to upholding the quality and reliability of the evidence collected.