What does the term 'chain of custody' refer to in crime scene processing?

The term 'chain of custody' in crime scene processing refers specifically to the documentation of evidence handling. This is a crucial aspect of maintaining the integrity and reliability of physical evidence collected during an investigation. The chain of custody serves to establish a clear and documented trail that details every person who handled or examined the evidence from the moment it is collected at the crime scene until it is presented in court. This process ensures that the evidence remains secure and unaltered, which is essential for it to be admissible in legal proceedings.

Maintaining a proper chain of custody helps to prevent allegations of tampering, contamination, or mishandling of evidence, thereby enhancing the credibility of the investigation and ensuring justice is served. Without this documentation, the validity of the evidence may be questioned, potentially compromising the case.