What should officers avoid doing when dealing with items of evidence?

The correct choice highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity and condition of evidence in the context of investigations. When officers handle items of evidence, they should ideally avoid marking the actual items themselves. This practice can taint or damage the evidence, impacting its usability in court. Instead, officers should document the evidence clearly using external labels or packaging that do not alter the item itself.

While marking evidence with permanent ink might seem similar, it is important to note that there are specific protocols that can allow for markings on packaging or containers rather than the items themselves. Documentation and collection methods should focus on preserving the original condition of the evidence as much as possible. This preserves the chain of custody and ensures the evidence can be examined and analyzed without risk of contamination or alteration.

Using gloves is a standard practice to protect both the evidence and the officer, while taking evidence without proper documentation compromises the chain of custody and can lead to significant legal consequences. Therefore, avoiding marking the actual items is fundamental for maintaining the reliability and purity of evidence in forensic science.