If evidence is handled improperly, what may a firefighter be required to do?

When evidence is handled improperly at a fire scene, a firefighter may be required to appear in court. This is primarily because improper handling can compromise the integrity of the evidence, which is critical in legal proceedings. If evidence is deemed tainted or inadmissible, it can significantly impact the outcome of an investigation or trial. Firefighters are often involved in the initial stages of evidence collection, and any mistakes could lead to them being called to testify regarding the circumstances of the evidence gathering process. This serves to maintain accountability and ensure that proper procedures are followed in the context of fire investigations, which can have legal repercussions.

While report submission may sometimes be part of the process, the specific implication of a firefighter needing to account for their actions in court is a direct consequence of improper evidence handling.