In evidence handling, what does maintaining chain-of-custody involve?

• A. Tracking who collected, handled, and stored evidence, with dates.
• B. Allowing anyone to modify the evidence.
• C. Ignoring who handled it.
• D. Storing evidence in public repository.

Answer: (B)

Maintaining chain-of-custody means keeping a complete, traceable log of every step the evidence takes from collection to presentation. This involves recording who collected the item, each person who handled or transferred it, where it was stored at every stage, and the dates and times of every move. By documenting these details, you create accountability and a tamper-evident record that protects the evidence’s integrity and supports its admissibility in court. Any practice that allows uncontrolled modifications, ignores who handled the item, or stores it in an insecure or public location undermines this record and calls the evidence into question.