Why would a bag be placed over the hands of a dead body at a crime scene?

Why would a bag be placed over the hands of a dead body at a crime scene?

• A. To protect hands from contamination
• B. To keep the hands warm
• C. To prevent identifying marks
• D. To preserve evidence

Answer: (D)

Preserving evidence at a crime scene is the main idea. Covering the hands of a dead body with a bag helps prevent transfer of trace materials between the hands and the surrounding environment, and it keeps any residues, fibers, or touch DNA from being altered or lost. This helps maintain the integrity of what the hands may have touched and supports accurate later analysis and the chain of custody. It’s not about warmth or hiding marks—the goal is to minimize contamination and preserve evidence for investigation.

Preserving evidence at a crime scene is the main idea. Covering the hands of a dead body with a bag helps prevent transfer of trace materials between the hands and the surrounding environment, and it keeps any residues, fibers, or touch DNA from being altered or lost. This helps maintain the integrity of what the hands may have touched and supports accurate later analysis and the chain of custody. It’s not about warmth or hiding marks—the goal is to minimize contamination and preserve evidence for investigation.