What does the Chain of Custody refer to in criminal investigations?

The Chain of Custody in criminal investigations specifically refers to the documentation that ensures the integrity and accountability of evidence throughout the entire process, from the moment it is collected until it is presented in court. This involves keeping a detailed and permanent record of all individuals who handle the evidence. This includes anyone who collects, transfers, analyzes, or stores the evidence. Maintaining this chain is crucial because it helps to establish that the evidence has not been altered, tampered with, or contaminated in any way during the investigation. This thorough documentation can be pivotal in court, as it validates the authenticity and reliability of the evidence being presented. This process is distinct from just presenting evidence in court or documenting analysis results or creating timelines of investigations, as it focuses specifically on who has interacted with the evidence, how, and when.