What is the proper way to pack contaminated clothing evidence?

The correct method for packing contaminated clothing evidence is to place it in dry plastic evidence bags. This approach is essential for several reasons. First, dry plastic bags provide a sealed environment that prevents further contamination and protects the evidence from environmental factors such as moisture and dust. Contaminated clothing may carry biological materials, such as blood or bodily fluids, that need to be preserved for forensic analysis. Using dry plastic ensures that these materials remain intact and do not degrade before they can be examined in a laboratory.

Additionally, plastic bags allow for clear visibility of the items inside, which is important for identification and subsequent chain of custody documentation. Proper labeling can also easily be affixed to these bags, ensuring that all necessary information about the evidence is recorded and accessible.

The other options present various risks. Using wet towels can promote mold growth and degradation of the evidence, while packing clothing without labeling can lead to issues in tracking and identifying the evidence later. Packing evidence in a cardboard box might expose it to moisture and make it difficult to see the contents, which is not ideal for maintaining the integrity of evidence.