What type of materials can be used to protect physical evidence?

Plastic bags and cardboard boxes are commonly used to protect physical evidence due to their ability to provide both containment and protection from environmental elements. Plastic bags, especially those made for evidence collection, are designed to be moisture-resistant, preventing damage from humidity or water that could compromise the integrity of biological or trace evidence. Cardboard boxes offer a sturdy option for packaging larger items while allowing for breathability, which is crucial for materials that may need to be dried out to preserve them.

In contrast, other materials like wood and metal containers could cause issues such as the introduction of contaminants or reactions with the evidence. Materials like sand and gravel do not serve a protective purpose for evidence; instead, they might interfere with the collection and analysis process. Lastly, glass and ceramics, while they can protect certain types of evidence, can also present hazards because they are brittle and may shatter, creating additional complications during transport and handling. Therefore, plastic bags and cardboard boxes are the preferred choice for maintaining the integrity of physical evidence in crime scene management.