Why is scene protection and examination of evidence important?

Scene protection and examination of evidence is crucial because it helps ensure that sensitive evidence is not disturbed. This aspect of investigation is vital as it preserves the integrity of the scene and the evidence present. Evidence can be easily contaminated, altered, or destroyed by even the slightest disturbance, so protecting the scene allows investigators to collect and analyze evidence in its original state. This is essential for establishing the context of the crime and may be critical in court to prove a case.

While eliminating distractions for investigators, long-term preservation of evidence, and expediting the investigation process are important considerations in an investigation, they do not directly address the primary focus of protecting sensitive evidence. Effective scene protection primarily aims to maintain the reliability of the evidence that can support or refute theories related to the case.