What must be done to protect hair evidence from loss or contamination?

To protect hair evidence from loss or contamination, it is crucial to collect and package it separately. This ensures that the evidence remains intact and is not compromised by other materials at the crime scene. By handling hair evidence with care and storing it in a designated container, investigators can maintain its integrity, which is essential for any subsequent analysis or testing.

This practice limits the risk of cross-contamination, which could undermine the reliability of the evidence. Proper collection and packaging also facilitate accurate documentation and chain-of-custody procedures, allowing for a clear and verifiable trail of the evidence from the crime scene to the courtroom. Overall, the separation of hair evidence during collection is a vital step in preserving its usefulness in a criminal investigation.