Contaminated evidence

Contaminated evidence occurs when a crime scene or object is accidentally altered, touched, or mixed with other substances, making it difficult to trust the evidence's original condition. This can happen if someone unintentionally introduces foreign materials, fingerprints, or DNA, which may compromise the integrity of the evidence. Contamination can hinder investigations by leading to false leads or wrongful conclusions. To ensure accuracy, investigators follow strict procedures to collect, preserve, and handle evidence carefully, minimizing the risk of contamination and maintaining its reliability for legal proceedings.