evidence preservation techniques

Evidence preservation involves careful methods to maintain the integrity of physical or digital items so they remain unchanged for analysis. Techniques include securely packaging and labeling evidence, preventing contamination or tampering, and storing it in controlled environments—such as refrigeration for biological samples or secure, access-controlled facilities for digital data. Proper documentation, like detailed logs and photography, ensures a clear chain of custody. These steps ensure that evidence remains reliable and admissible in legal proceedings, allowing investigators to accurately analyze and present findings without questions of interference or degradation.