Where should the hands of a victim be placed for evidence collection?

The most appropriate method for handling a victim's hands during evidence collection is to place them in a paper bag to avoid tampering. This practice is crucial as it helps to preserve any potential evidence, such as fingerprints, trace evidence, or any biological material that may be present on the skin or under the fingernails.

Using a paper bag is specifically effective because it allows for airflow, which helps to prevent moisture buildup that could damage or degrade the evidence. Additionally, a paper bag can help prevent contamination from external sources, thereby maintaining the integrity of the evidence collected.

The other options do have implications for evidence handling but don't specifically target the key concern of preserving and protecting evidence on the hands. For example, placing the hands on a blanket could lead to contamination or loss of evidence. A controlled environment is important for overall evidence storage and handling but is less direct regarding immediate collection of evidence on the victim's person. A clean surface might also seem practical but lacks the protective benefits of a paper bag, leaving the evidence vulnerable to contamination from that surface.