Why is it essential to obtain samples properly during an investigation?

Obtaining samples properly during an investigation is crucial for ensuring legal validity. This means that any evidence collected must be admissible in court, which often hinges on how those samples are gathered and handled. Proper collection techniques preserve the integrity of the evidence, ensuring that it hasn’t been contaminated or altered in any way that could be challenged in legal proceedings. This can affect the reliability of the findings and the overall outcome of any legal processes stemming from the investigation.

Correct sample collection also establishes a chain of custody, which is vital in legal contexts. This chain documents who handled the evidence and how it was stored, providing a clear timeline and accountability for all involved. If evidence is improperly collected, it could be deemed inadmissible, negatively impacting the prosecution's case or the investigation as a whole.

While reducing costs, speeding up the investigation, and minimizing the need for witness testimonies may have their importance, they do not outweigh the necessity of ensuring that the evidence stands up in a court of law. Properly obtaining samples is foundational to maintaining the legal integrity of the investigation.