The process used to control and document the history of seizure, collection, transport, and possession of evidence is known as:

• A. Chain of custody
• B. Chain of evidence
• C. Evidence control
• D. Property log

Answer: (A)

Maintaining a continuous, documented history of who handled the evidence from seizure through collection, transport, and possession is essential to preserving its integrity and ensuring it can be trusted in court. This process is known as the chain of custody. It provides a step-by-step record showing where the evidence has been, who has touched it, and how it has been stored or secured at every point from collection to presentation. Each transfer or change of custody is documented with details such as the handler, date and time, location, and the condition of the evidence (often with tamper-evident seals), creating an unbroken trail that helps prevent questions about tampering, contamination, or misplacement.

The reason this term is the best fit is that it specifically describes the documented linkage of possession and control over the evidence as it moves through the investigative process. Other terms are less precise: a chain of evidence is a commonly used phrase but does not encapsulate the formal documentation and chain of custody ensures; evidence control and property log refer more to overall handling procedures or inventory records rather than the full transfer history of a single item.