What is the primary concern regarding evidence integrity during collection?

The primary concern regarding evidence integrity during collection is ensuring evidence is not altered. This is crucial because any changes to the evidence can compromise its reliability and authenticity. Evidence must be collected, handled, and preserved in a manner that maintains its original state, as alterations could undermine its value in legal proceedings. Maintaining the integrity of evidence is essential for upholding the standards of justice and ensuring that findings are valid and trustworthy.

While preserving the physical appearance of evidence may seem important, it is secondary to ensuring that the evidence remains unaltered in its fundamental characteristics. Similarly, although the efficiency of the collection process and legal documentation are significant considerations, they do not take precedence over the need to safeguard the evidence from any form of alteration, which is paramount for its admissibility and effectiveness in the judicial process.