For evidence collected from a sexual assault, what must you do regarding clothing?

Labeling and packaging each garment separately is crucial in the collection of evidence from a sexual assault. This practice helps preserve the integrity of the evidence and ensures that each piece of clothing can be specifically linked to the case. By keeping garments separate, investigators can avoid cross-contamination, which could compromise DNA and other forensic evidence.

Proper labeling allows for clear identification, which is essential for chain of custody documentation, ensuring that the evidence can be traced throughout the investigative process and in any potential court proceedings. Each item being meticulously cataloged aids in the clarity and credibility of the evidence presented in court.

In contrast, washing the clothing would destroy vital forensic evidence, such as DNA or trace materials. Storing the clothing in a plastic bag can trap moisture, which may lead to degradation of the evidence. Leaving garments unmarked and unwrapped fails to maintain proper identification and could lead to confusion or misidentification of the items collected. Thus, packaging and labeling each item separately stands as the most effective and responsible method for handling evidence in such sensitive cases.