What is essential for retaining evidence integrity when collecting paint chips?

Using specialized tools like tongs is essential for retaining evidence integrity when collecting paint chips because these tools minimize direct contact with the evidence. Handling evidence with bare hands can transfer oils, residues, or contaminants that may compromise its integrity and lead to potential issues in the investigation or court proceedings. By utilizing tools like tongs, investigators can ensure that the paint chips remain uncontaminated and that their original condition is preserved, which is crucial for forensic analysis.

It is also important to consider that specialized containers play a significant role in storage and transport, but the immediate act of collection is where the integrity starts. While employing a vacuum could potentially collect evidence in a broader sense, it may not be suitable for every type of evidence, such as delicate paint chips, where precision is key. Therefore, the proper use of specialized tools ensures that paint chips can be securely and cleanly transferred without any degradation, maintaining their potential evidentiary value.