What should personnel always wear while conducting evidence gathering?

Wearing gloves while conducting evidence gathering is essential to ensure the integrity of the evidence and to protect both the evidence and the individual handling it. Gloves prevent contamination of physical evidence, such as fingerprints, biological materials, or any trace substances that could compromise an investigation if altered or damaged. By avoiding direct contact with potential evidence, personnel can help maintain the chain of custody and ensure that any collected items are admissible in court.

Additionally, wearing gloves can protect the individual from exposure to potentially harmful substances that may be present at a crime scene. It is a standard best practice in law enforcement and forensic work to wear gloves as part of personal protective equipment when gathering evidence.