What does contamination in a crime scene refer to?

Contamination in a crime scene specifically refers to the introduction of foreign material to the scene, which can compromise the integrity of the evidence and the investigation as a whole. When foreign substances, such as biological matter, fingerprints, or other environmental elements, are introduced into a crime scene, they can alter the details of the scene and potentially mislead investigators. This can lead to incorrect conclusions about the events that occurred or the evidence that is present, making it crucial for crime scenes to be secured and protected from such contamination. Ensuring that only relevant evidence remains and monitoring who enters and exits the scene is vital in maintaining the reliability of the evidence collected.