Which of the following is NOT a core step for containing evidence?

The process of containing evidence is crucial in any security or law enforcement context, as it ensures that evidence is handled properly to maintain its integrity for future investigation or legal proceedings. The core steps typically include identifying, collecting, and preserving evidence.

Identifying evidence involves recognizing materials that may be relevant to an incident, which is essential for establishing a foundation for an investigation. Collecting evidence is the act of gathering these identified materials in a methodical manner to avoid contamination or loss. Preserving evidence refers to maintaining the condition of the evidence to prevent deterioration, ensuring it remains viable for analysis or court presentation.

Witnessing, on the other hand, is not considered a core step in the process of containing evidence. While witness testimony can be important in an investigation, it does not directly pertain to the handling or management of physical evidence in the same structured way as the other steps. Therefore, it stands out as the option that does not fit within the core steps for containing evidence.