Module 5.4

Question 1

Chain of custody

Answer 1

One of the most legally significant documents with regards to evidence
Refers to the documentation of who had possession of evidence at ANY given time
Maintaining the integrity of the evidence
-establish that item was in possession of defendant
-demonstrate to COURT that evidence collected, was the evidence tested, and reported
—no change, no contamination, no replacement

Question 2

Chain of custody and continuity of possession

Answer 2

Every person who handled or examined evidence must be accounted for in chain of custody
-starts at crime scene
Critical to mark evidence, package correctly, ensure proper seals, record chain of possession, and preserve evidence
Evidence needs to be stored in a secure location to minimize risk of interference or loss

Question 3

Key components of proper evidence control

Answer 3

Many types of forms
Chain of custody (minimum requirements)
-signature of person receiving evidence
-date of receipt or transfer
-description of evidence
-proper marking of evidence
-evidence seals
Secure area for evidence storage

Question 4

Chain of custody issues

Answer 4

Poor chain of custody and poor preservation procedures can cause problems
-mislabeled evidence?
-improper methods used to collect evidence?
-improper storage of evidence?
-indications of tampering?
-testing errors?