What information must be recorded in the chain of custody?

• A. Weather conditions at time of collection.
• B. Date/time and location found.
• C. Seals intact during all transfers.
• D. Item description, unique identifier, person who collected it, date/time, location found, all transfers, and seals intact.

Answer: (D)

Maintaining a trustworthy record of evidence hinges on documenting every step of its handling and its identity. The chain of custody must capture enough detail to prove exactly what the item is and that no one could have tampered with it or swapped it along the way. That means recording a clear item description and a unique identifier so the item can be unmistakably recognized, who collected it, the precise date and time, and where it was found. It also requires noting every transfer of custody so you know who has hold of the item at every point, and confirming that tamper-evident seals remained intact throughout the process. When all of these elements are documented, the chain of custody shows a continuous, unbroken trail from collection to presentation.

Weather conditions at the time aren’t part of the chain of custody record, and while noting that seals were intact and every transfer occurred is important, those details alone don’t provide the full, traceable record needed. The comprehensive entry that includes description, identifier, collector, date/time, location found, all transfers, and seals intact covers every necessary aspect, making it the best choice.