What does the chain of custody refer to?

The chain of custody refers to the history of custody for seized property. It is a crucial concept in forensic and legal contexts, especially for law enforcement agencies like the Coast Guard. Keeping a documented chain of custody ensures that evidence remains intact and is not tampered with or contaminated over time.

The chain of custody details all the individuals who handle the evidence, the time and date of each transfer, and how the evidence is stored at each stage. This meticulous documentation is vital because it helps establish the integrity and authenticity of the evidence when it is presented in court. If the chain of custody is broken or not properly documented, it can lead to challenges regarding the admissibility of the evidence, potentially impacting the outcome of a case.

By securing a clear chain of custody, the authorities can demonstrate that the evidence has been handled properly, thereby maintaining its usefulness in legal proceedings.