Which piece of evidence should be collected first at a crime scene?

Collecting evidence at a crime scene should follow a systematic approach to preserve the integrity of all materials. Fingerprints should generally be collected first because they are highly susceptible to contamination and alteration once they are discovered. Fingerprints can be easily smudged or obscured, making it crucial to prioritize their collection before any other evidence is disturbed.

Once fingerprints have been secured, the investigation can proceed to collect other pieces of evidence, such as footwear prints, hair samples, or blood samples, which can be managed with less risk of loss or contamination. In scenarios where individuals are still present, it’s vital to establish a clear chain of physical evidence right from the start, putting fingerprints at the forefront due to their importance in establishing identity and providing critical leads in an investigation.