Which practice is listed under exposure reduction for handling evidence?

• A. Keep evidence in plastic bags
• B. Do not handle evidence at all
• C. Discard evidence in regular trash
• D. Expose evidence to sunlight

Answer: (A)

Exposure reduction means protecting evidence from environmental factors and cross-contamination as it’s handled and stored. Keeping evidence in plastic bags provides a protective barrier against dust, moisture, and direct contact, helping preserve its condition and maintain the chain of custody until it can be properly analyzed. The other options would either prevent investigation from proceeding, destroy or contaminate the evidence, or worsen its condition—doing nothing, disposing of it in regular trash, or exposing it to sunlight would all increase exposure and degrade or lose the evidence.