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

Which of the following types of evidence should ideally not be packaged in plastic?

1. Biological evidence

2. Physical evidence

3. Drug evidence

4. Trace evidence

The correct answer is: Biological evidence

Biological evidence should ideally not be packaged in plastic because plastic can create an environment that retains moisture, which can lead to the growth of bacteria or mold. This moisture can degrade the evidence and compromise its integrity. For example, items such as blood, saliva, or tissue should be allowed to breathe and dry out, which is better facilitated by using breathable materials such as paper envelopes or bags. These materials help preserve the biological evidence in a condition that is suitable for analysis and prevents contamination or degradation that could hinder forensic investigation and analysis. The other types of evidence, while important, do not have the same immediate risk of deterioration when stored in plastic packaging. Proper handling and packaging depend on the specific evidence type, but biological evidence is particularly sensitive to moisture and thus requires more careful consideration in its packaging.