What does the term "chain of custody" refer to?

The term "chain of custody" refers to the process of maintaining and documenting the handling of evidence throughout its lifecycle. This concept is crucial in forensic investigations, as it ensures that the evidence collected is credible and has not been altered or tampered with. Maintaining a proper chain of custody involves detailed documentation that provides a clear record of who collected the evidence, how it was stored, who had access to it, and any transfers of possession that occurred. This meticulous tracking is essential for the admissibility of evidence in legal proceedings, as it helps establish the integrity of the evidence presented.

While storing evidence securely is an important aspect of handling evidence, it does not encompass the entirety of what chain of custody entails. Destruction of irrelevant data and conducting preliminary investigations are also critical components of the investigative process, but they do not define the chain of custody. The focus of chain of custody is primarily on the documentation and tracking of evidence rather than actions taken with evidence after it has been collected.