What governs the procedures for evidence collection?

The procedures for evidence collection are primarily governed by OPNAV 5580/10, which is the Navy's instruction on the procedures for handling criminal evidence. This instruction provides detailed guidance on how evidence should be collected, preserved, and documented by law enforcement personnel within the Navy. It establishes the standards that ensure evidence is collected in a manner that preserves its integrity and is compliant with applicable laws and regulations.

OPNAV 5580/10 is specifically tailored for Navy personnel and takes into account both military and federal requirements, which is why it is the most directly relevant source for this area of procedure. It facilitates both training and operational effectiveness for Master-at-Arms personnel and ensures that evidence collection aligns with the legal expectations required for prosecuting criminal cases.

Other options might provide relevant information or frameworks for military operations, but they do not offer the specific guidance provided by OPNAV 5580/10 regarding the procedures that must be followed for evidence collection in the Navy context.