Which situation requires special containers for evidence?

Using special containers for evidence is crucial when the items involved cannot be marked directly. This situation often arises with delicate or perishable items, such as biological evidence, where contact could compromise the integrity of the sample. Special containers help to preserve the chain of custody and protect the evidence from contamination or degradation.

For example, when dealing with evidence like fingerprints, hair, or bodily fluids, if the evidence cannot be marked directly due to its nature, utilizing specialized containers ensures that identification and retrieval details can still be maintained without altering the evidence itself. This practice also reinforces proper documentation procedures and enhances the reliability of the evidence in legal contexts.

In contrast, situations involving direct marking of evidence, large items, or staged locations might not necessitate the same level of specialized handling, as they can be managed with conventional evidence collection techniques.