Macon County Law Enforcement Center (MCLC) Comprehensive State Practice Exam

True or False: Evidence should generally be packaged in plastic.

1. True

2. False

3. Depends on the situation

4. Only for biological specimens

The correct answer is: False

The assertion that evidence should generally be packaged in plastic is false due to the fact that plastic can create a microenvironment that retains moisture. This moisture can lead to the degradation of certain types of evidence, particularly biological samples or digital evidence that require a dry environment to avoid contamination or damage. Instead, evidence is typically packaged in paper or other breathable materials that allow for air circulation and prevent moisture retention. For instance, biological specimens are often collected in specific types of packaging designed to keep them stable and uncontaminated without the risks associated with plastic. This is crucial to ensuring the integrity of the evidence for forensic analysis and later legal proceedings. Hence, the correct understanding is that while each type of evidence may have its own specific packaging requirements, plastic is generally not the appropriate material for most evidence handling.