Which term best describes the process that tracks the hand-off of evidence from collection to case closure?

• A. Chain of evidence
• B. Evidence log
• C. Custody record
• D. Chain of custody

Answer: (D)

Tracking the movement and handling of evidence from the moment it’s collected all the way to case closure requires a complete, documented history of every transfer and condition. This is described by the chain of custody. It creates a chronological trail listing exactly who possessed the evidence, when, where it was stored, what analyses were done, and how it was finally disposed of or returned. Maintaining this unbroken record preserves the evidence’s integrity and supports its admissibility in court; any gap or undocumented transfer can cast doubt on the evidence.

While related terms might pop up, they don’t capture the full, formal process. The chain of evidence is a commonly used phrase, but the formal term for the documented process is chain of custody. An evidence log or custody record alone won’t reflect the continuous, verified chain of transfers and conditions that the chain of custody provides.