What is the primary responsibility of ACFE members regarding evidence collection?

The primary responsibility of ACFE members regarding evidence collection is to obtain evidence in a manner that preserves its integrity. This is crucial because the integrity of evidence is vital in fraud investigations and prosecutions. Evidence must be collected, handled, and stored in a way that prevents its contamination or alteration, ensuring that it remains admissible in court and can withstand scrutiny. By adhering to this principle, examiners maintain the validity of their findings and uphold the standards of the profession.

Other options do not adequately address the holistic responsibility of evidence collection. Gathering only exculpatory evidence could lead to biased conclusions and undermines the objective nature of an investigation. Documenting only incriminating evidence fails to account for other critical findings that may affect the case's outcome and could also indicate an investigator's bias. Collecting evidence only with prior consent may not always be feasible in situations where obtaining consent could compromise the investigation or where legal or ethical obligations require a different approach. Thus, maintaining the integrity of all evidence collected is paramount.