What must officers ensure when collecting evidence in family violence cases?

When collecting evidence in family violence cases, maintaining a proper chain of custody is crucial. This process ensures that the evidence gathered is preserved in an authentic state from the moment it is collected until it is presented in court. Establishing a clear chain of custody involves documenting each instance of handling the evidence, including who collected it, how it was stored, who had access to it, and how it was transported.

This meticulous attention to detail prevents challenges to the validity and integrity of the evidence. If evidence is mishandled or its chain of custody is broken, it can lead to questions about its reliability and admissibility in court, potentially jeopardizing the prosecution of the case.

The other options do not recognize the importance of proper evidence handling in these sensitive situations. Discarding evidence immediately would impede the investigation and prosecution, focusing only on digital evidence neglects other critical forms of evidence, and failing to obtain witness cooperation can result in a lack of context and support for the collected evidence, further diminishing its effectiveness in court.