What action should be taken with evidence before it is touched?

Before evidence is touched, it is essential to photograph it as this documentation serves several critical purposes. Photographing evidence ensures that a permanent visual record is created, preserving the original condition and context of the evidence for future reference. This can be crucial in both investigations and court proceedings, where the integrity of evidence might be questioned.

Capturing images from multiple angles and in various lighting conditions helps to provide a comprehensive understanding of the evidence and its surroundings. This practice supports the chain of custody by showing exactly what was present before any interaction with the evidence occurs.

In contrast, while labeling, storing, and disposing of evidence are important steps in the evidence management process, they should follow the initial documentation through photography. Proper labeling helps with identification and tracking, storing ensures the evidence is maintained securely, and disposal is typically a step taken after a case is resolved, depending on the legal requirements and case outcomes.