Why is it important to minimize contact with evidence?

Minimizing contact with evidence is crucial because it helps to maintain the integrity of the evidence. When evidence is handled improperly or tampered with, its reliability and authenticity can be compromised. This could lead to contamination or alteration, which may affect the outcome of an investigation or legal proceedings. Maintaining the purity of evidence is essential to ensure that it accurately represents the circumstances of a crime and can withstand scrutiny in court. Proper evidence handling protocols, including limited access, help preserve its original state, which is vital for establishing facts in a case.

While faster processing times, limiting witnesses, and avoiding legal complications are important considerations in a broader context, they do not address the fundamental need to preserve the evidence itself for justice to be served effectively.