What does chain of custody refer to?

Chain of custody is a critical aspect of evidence management in criminal investigations, primarily referring to the precise process of transferring evidence between individuals. This process involves meticulously documenting each transaction to ensure that the evidence remains intact, unaltered, and reliable throughout a case. It establishes a clear path of custody, showing who handled the evidence, when it was handled, and how it was stored or transported. This thorough documentation is essential for maintaining the integrity of the evidence and for upholding its admissibility in court.

The other options do not capture the full significance of chain of custody. While documenting evidence at the scene is important, it primarily pertains to the initial collection rather than the ongoing tracking of its handling. Analyzing collected evidence is a separate process focused on its examination and interpretation, which comes after custody has been established. Viewing evidence by the public is also unrelated to the technical aspects of maintaining chain of custody, as it deals more with public access rather than the security and integrity of the evidence itself. The correct understanding of chain of custody emphasizes the continuous documentation and control over the evidence from the moment it is collected until it is presented in court.