When collecting paint chips from a crime scene, what should you do with small items?

When collecting paint chips from a crime scene, it is crucial to package and impound the entire item rather than just the chips. This approach preserves the context and integrity of the evidence. By collecting the entire item, you maintain the relationship between the paint chips and the object from which they were derived, which can be critical in forensic analysis.

The intact item can provide additional information, such as the location of the paint chips, other potential evidence on the surface, and details about the object's condition. In cases where the item may contain other relevant evidence, not securing the whole item could lead to the loss of valuable information that could be crucial for the investigation. By capturing the complete item, you ensure that the evidence is preserved in its original context, which can be vital during analysis and in court proceedings.