What must investigators avoid to ensure the integrity of evidence collection?

In the context of evidence collection, it is essential for investigators to avoid introducing any changes to the crime scene. This principle is crucial because any alterations can compromise the integrity of the evidence collected, potentially affecting the investigation's outcomes in significant ways. The crime scene must be preserved in its original state to facilitate accurate analysis and interpretation. If changes are made—whether through moving objects, tampering, or contaminating evidence—the reliability of the evidence can be questioned, which can impact court proceedings and lead to wrongful conclusions.

Maintaining the original condition of the crime scene allows for a comprehensive understanding of the events that took place, ensuring all evidence reflects the true state of affairs before the investigator's arrival. This approach is foundational in forensic science, as it emphasizes the importance of accuracy and credibility in legal contexts.