In the context of crime scene processing, what does the term 'chain of custody' refer to?

The term 'chain of custody' refers primarily to the documentation of who collected and handled the evidence throughout the investigation process. This concept is critical in ensuring the integrity and reliability of the evidence. Each person who comes into contact with the evidence must be documented, recording their name, the time of handling, and what was done with the evidence. This meticulous record-keeping helps to establish that the evidence has not been tampered with or altered, which is vital for its admissibility in court.

Maintaining an unbroken chain of custody allows law enforcement and legal entities to demonstrate that the evidence presented has been preserved in its original condition, free from contamination. Consequently, this documentation is essential in upholding the principles of fair trial rights and due process, as it reinforces the credibility of the evidence collected.