What should influence an investigator's decision to collect physical evidence?

The decision to collect physical evidence in a fire investigation should be primarily influenced by the scope of the investigation and legal requirements. This ensures that the process aligns with established protocols and legal standards, which are crucial for the credibility and validity of the evidence.

Understanding the scope of the investigation helps the investigator determine what types of evidence are relevant to the case at hand. Legal requirements dictate how evidence should be collected, preserved, and documented to ensure it is admissible in court. By focusing on these factors, the investigator can maintain the integrity of the investigation and uphold legal standards, which ultimately contributes to a fair and just outcome.

Other considerations like personal intuition, time constraints, and the cost of collection may impact the process but should not dictate the fundamental decision of whether to collect evidence. Relying too heavily on personal intuition can lead to subjective decision-making, while time and cost should not compromise the thoroughness and legality of evidence collection. An evidence-based approach grounded in the investigation's scope and legal mandates promotes an objective and systematic process, enhancing the overall reliability of the investigation.