Why is it important NOT to touch or move anything at a crime scene?

The primary reason not to touch or move anything at a crime scene is to maintain evidence for legal proceedings. Preserving the integrity of evidence is critical in criminal investigations because any alteration or disturbance can compromise its value. This ensures that all evidence collected is admissible in court and can be accurately presented to support the legal process. Crime scenes can provide crucial information regarding what occurred, and handling or moving items could lead to loss, degradation, or misinterpretation of evidence, which can significantly hinder an investigation and the pursuit of justice.

The other options, while they may touch on aspects of crime scene management, do not adequately capture the fundamental importance of evidence preservation. Access and speed are secondary considerations in the context of evidence integrity, and preventing witness contamination does not directly relate to physical evidence handling at the scene. Ultimately, the preservation of evidence remains the priority to ensure a thorough and credible investigation.