What is the first step in handling substance evidence?

The first step in handling substance evidence is to process it, which means to manage and evaluate the evidence properly to ensure it is preserved and ready for analysis. Processing involves a series of procedures aimed at maintaining the integrity of the evidence and documenting its condition and context at the crime scene or in the evidence collection process. This step is crucial for establishing the chain of custody and preventing contamination, allowing for valid and reliable analysis.

Once the evidence has been processed correctly, further steps such as identification, separation, and weighing might follow. However, skipping over or mismanaging the processing phase can lead to compromising the evidence, making it critical that this step is taken first.