British Columbia (BC) Security Guard License Practice Exam

What type of evidence should personnel avoid touching at a scene?

1. Physical evidence

2. Digital evidence

3. Witness statements

4. All evidence should be avoided

The correct answer is: Physical evidence

Personnel should avoid touching physical evidence at a crime scene because physical evidence can include critical items such as fingerprints, weaponry, clothing, or other materials that may be vital to an investigation. The integrity of this evidence is paramount, as contamination or alteration can compromise the entire investigation and potentially affect legal proceedings. Maintaining the original condition of physical evidence allows forensic experts to analyze and interpret it accurately without the risk of tainting the sample or introducing errors. Handling this type of evidence prematurely can lead to loss of important details and render it inadmissible in court. By preserving the scene and allowing trained investigators to manage the evidence, personnel uphold the standards of evidence collection and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the investigation. The other options, while they present varying degrees of sensitivity, do not carry the same potential for contamination issues as physical evidence does.