What type of evidence might be compromised if not securely contained?

Forensic evidence is crucial in criminal investigations as it encompasses physical items collected from a crime scene, such as fingerprints, blood samples, fibers, and other biological materials. The integrity and validity of forensic evidence depend heavily on its proper containment and handling. If forensic evidence is not securely contained, it can be contaminated, altered, or degraded. This could lead to unreliable conclusions, compromising the investigation and potentially impacting legal outcomes.

Unlike forensic evidence, circumstantial evidence is less about physical items and more about correlations and inferences drawn from a situation. Digital evidence, though also critical and susceptible to tampering, is often protected through technological safeguards that can ensure its integrity. Eyewitness testimony, while valuable, relies on human memory which is inherently less reliable than physical evidence. Thus, failing to securely contain forensic evidence can directly affect the quality and validity of the findings, making it essential to handle this type of evidence with utmost care.