What might occur if personnel do not follow contamination prevention protocols?

When personnel do not adhere to contamination prevention protocols, the potential loss or alteration of evidence is a significant risk. Contamination refers to the introduction of foreign substances or materials that can compromise the integrity of the evidence collected at a crime scene. If evidence is contaminated, it may not accurately represent the circumstances of the crime, making it less reliable in investigations and legal proceedings.

This situation can lead to various issues, such as the inability to link a suspect to a crime or failing to prove vital elements of a case. Contaminated evidence could be dismissed in court, ultimately undermining the judicial process and potentially impacting justice for victims.

In contrast, following proper contamination prevention protocols helps maintain the chain of custody and ensures that evidence remains undisturbed and trustworthy, which is crucial for effective law enforcement and successful prosecution.