During which planning step do investigators ensure evidence is collected legally and with minimal disruption?

The planning step where investigators ensure evidence is collected legally and with minimal disruption is best represented by defining a policy for evidence extraction. This step is crucial as it outlines the specific protocols and guidelines that investigators must follow to ensure compliance with legal standards and respect for privacy rights. These policies cover aspects such as obtaining proper warrants, understanding jurisdictional issues, and ensuring that methods used during evidence collection do not violate regulations or lead to potential litigation.

Implementing a well-defined evidence extraction policy also helps minimize disruption during the investigation process by establishing efficient, standardized procedures that investigators must adhere to. This not only protects the integrity of the evidence but also helps maintain the chain of custody, which is critical for the admissibility of evidence in court.