What should officers use to prevent contamination at a crime scene?

Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for preventing contamination at a crime scene. PPE includes a variety of gear designed to protect the officer and the integrity of the evidence being collected. This can encompass gloves, masks, goggles, and protective clothing, which are all critical in ensuring that the crime scene remains uncontaminated by external substances, including biological and chemical agents.

By using appropriate PPE, officers can minimize the risk of transferring their own DNA, fingerprints, or other potential contaminants to the scene or to the evidence. This practice is especially important in forensics, where the accuracy of evidence collection and preservation directly impacts the outcomes of investigations and prosecutions. Regular gloves alone might not provide complete protection, as they do not cover other areas of the officer's body that could inadvertently come into contact with the scene. Therefore, the comprehensive use of PPE is the best practice for maintaining the integrity of a crime scene.