7. According to state police investigator Craig Hanley "the very act of arriving on a crime scene can compromise minute evidence." What does this mean? and how can this be minimized?

This statement means that when investigators arrive at a crime scene, they may inadvertently contaminate or disturb the evidence present, even if they are trying to be careful. This can happen through actions such as walking on the scene, touching objects, or even breathing on them. The disturbance can lead to the degradation or loss of valuable evidence, which can hinder the investigation process.<br /><br />To minimize this risk, investigators follow strict protocols to preserve the integrity of the crime scene. These protocols include:<br /><br />1. Securing the scene: The first step is to secure the crime scene to prevent unauthorized access and contamination. This involves setting up barriers and restricting access to only those individuals who are authorized.<br /><br />2. Wearing protective gear: Investigators wear gloves, shoe covers, and sometimes even masks and suits to minimize the risk of transferring contaminants to the scene.<br /><br />3. Documenting the scene: Photographs, sketches, and detailed notes are taken to document the scene before any evidence is collected. This helps to ensure that the original state of the scene is preserved.<br /><br />4. Using specialized equipment: Investigators use specialized equipment, such as forensic light sources, to detect and collect evidence without disturbing the scene further.<br /><br />5. Following a systematic approach: Investigators follow a systematic approach to collect evidence, ensuring that they do not miss any potential evidence and avoid contaminating the scene.<br /><br />By following these protocols, investigators can minimize the risk of compromising minute evidence at a crime scene, ensuring that the investigation remains as accurate and effective as possible.