What is the process that records transactions of evidence from person to person since its acquisition by a law enforcement agency?

• A. Audit Trail
• B. Chain of Custody
• C. Evidence Log
• D. Property Receipt

Answer: (B)

Maintaining an unbroken record of who handles evidence, when, and where it goes is essential for proving its integrity from the moment it’s acquired. This is what the chain of custody captures: every transfer or handling of the item, the people involved, the dates and times, locations, and the purpose of each move or action. By documenting each step, it shows that the evidence was not altered and that only authorized individuals touched it, which helps ensure its admissibility in court.

Other options don’t fit as precisely. An audit trail records activity within a system, not the physical handling of evidence. An Evidence Log notes events or actions but may not fully document the complete transfer chain. A Property Receipt is simply a receipt acknowledging possession, not a continuous, verifiable record of transfers.