What is the purpose of chain of custody documentation?

The purpose of chain of custody documentation is to show all individuals who possessed the evidence and any changes made. This process is critical in maintaining the integrity of evidence as it moves through various stages of the legal system—from collection at the crime scene to presentation in court. By meticulously documenting each person who handles the evidence, along with timestamps and any actions taken (such as testing or storage), it establishes a reliable account of the evidence's history. This transparency is essential for ensuring that the evidence remains untainted and is credible in legal proceedings, as it can prevent allegations of tampering or mishandling.

Maintaining evidence in a sealed container is important, but it alone doesn't provide the comprehensive accountability that chain of custody documentation offers. A detailed description of evidence quality is useful, but it doesn't capture the full historical record of the evidence’s handling. Ensuring evidence is stored at room temperature is more related to maintaining the physical condition of the evidence rather than tracking its ownership and handling throughout the legal process.