How should staff document and preserve evidence from an incident?

• A. Destroy evidence after use
• B. Move evidence to general storage without logging
• C. Secure the scene, maintain chain of custody, label, photograph, collect and store items in evidence locker; document disposition
• D. Wear gloves but don't label the items

Answer: (C)

The essential idea here is to preserve evidence in a way that keeps its integrity intact and makes every handling step accountable. Start by securing the scene so nothing is disturbed, then maintain a clear chain of custody showing who handles the item and when. Label each item so its identity is never in question, and photograph the scene and items to document their condition and context at the time of collection. Collect the items methodically and store them in a properly secured evidence locker, ensuring access is controlled. Finally, document the disposition of each item—what happened to it after processing, who handled it, and when—so there is a full and auditable record from collection to final disposition.

This approach protects the evidence from contamination or loss, supports accuracy and reproducibility of findings, and preserves legal admissibility. By contrast, destroying evidence after use eliminates any chance to review or verify the investigation; moving items to general storage without logging removes traceability and accountability; and handling with gloves but failing to label items leaves investigators unsure of what is what, breaking the chain of custody and risking evidence being misidentified or discarded.