If you accidentally sneeze while collecting evidence at a crime scene, what should you do?

When collecting evidence at a crime scene, maintaining the integrity of the evidence is paramount. If an accidental sneeze occurs while handling evidence, it is crucial to document the incident. This documentation serves several purposes: it notes any potential contamination that could affect the integrity of the evidence being collected, and it maintains transparency in the evidence collection process.

By packaging the evidence normally after documenting the incident, you ensure that the evidence can still be utilized in investigations or legal proceedings, despite the unfortunate event. Including the sneeze in your report indicates diligence and accountability, which are critical components of evidence handling.

This approach also contrasts with simply ignoring the incident or leaving the evidence behind, both of which could lead to missing critical information or jeopardizing the evidence's admissibility in court. Discarding the evidence would be a last resort, and documenting the incident allows for future assessments of the evidence's viability, thereby preserving the investigative chain of custody.