When handling evidence, which portion should be decontaminated to minimize contamination risk?

• A. Exterior of the package
• B. The seal
• C. The contents
• D. Interior of the package

Answer: (A)

Contamination control in evidence handling centers on preventing transfer of contaminants to people and to other evidence. The exterior of the package is the surface most likely to have come into contact with contaminants at the scene or during transport, so decontaminating that outer layer minimizes the chance of transferring anything off the package to you or to other surfaces. Keeping the interior contents and the seal as intact as possible preserves the evidence’s integrity and the chain of custody; decontaminating the inside or tampering with the seal could alter or contaminate what’s inside and undermine documentation of handling. So, decontaminating the exterior of the package is the best practice to minimize contamination risk.