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What is the first thing the investigator does before handling or moving any impression at a crime scene? Why is this considered merely a backup or precautionary procedure?

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Final answer:

An investigator initially documents any impressions at a crime scene to preserve the original state of potential evidence. This acts as a precautionary measure in case of damage or loss, preserving the integrity of the evidence for potential legal proceedings.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first thing an investigator does before handling or moving any impression at a crime scene is to properly document it. This usually involves photography, sketching, and note-taking, and is done to record the original state of the scene and any potential evidence. Documentation acts as a safeguard in case the impressions get damaged or lost while processing.

The importance of this procedure as a backup or precautionary measure lies in retaining the integrity of the evidence. In any legal proceedings, the chain of custody and the condition of the evidence play a crucial role in the acceptance of evidence. If any evidence gets contaminated, altered, or lost without a thorough documentation, it's value in the court might be diminished or lost.

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