What is the primary purpose of maintaining a chain of custody?

The primary purpose of maintaining a chain of custody is to document evidence handling. This involves maintaining a clear record of who collected, handled, transferred, or stored the evidence, as well as the conditions under which it was preserved. By meticulously documenting each step in the evidence's journey, investigators can establish the reliability and integrity of the evidence presented in court. This ensures that the evidence has not been tampered with or altered, which is crucial for upholding its admissibility and credibility during legal proceedings. Proper chain of custody practices help protect the rights of the accused and support the integrity of the judicial process, making it a foundational principle in criminal investigations and legal contexts.