What is the primary responsibility of first responders concerning trace, DNA, and fingerprint evidence?

The primary responsibility of first responders concerning trace, DNA, and fingerprint evidence is to identify and protect the evidence until expert assistance arrives. This role is crucial because first responders are often the initial individuals on the scene of a crime, and their actions can significantly impact the integrity of the evidence.

By identifying and securing the evidence, first responders help ensure that it is not contaminated, lost, or destroyed before forensic experts can analyze it. This involves establishing a perimeter to prevent unauthorized access, using appropriate techniques to avoid contaminating the scene, and employing measures to maintain the chain of custody. First responders may also mark locations or maintain notes on where and how the evidence was found, providing vital information for later analysis.

Immediate collection and analysis of evidence is typically outside the scope of a first responder's training. This responsibility falls to trained forensic professionals who know how to process and analyze forensic evidence properly. Documenting evidence using only photographs is insufficient, as it does not encompass the necessary actions to secure the physical items themselves. Handling evidence without gloves contradicts best practices designed to prevent contamination, thus undermining the integrity of the evidence.