Which statement best describes the process for handling evidence from collection to presentation?

• A. Seal the evidence before collecting.
• B. Label only after presenting in court.
• C. Collect, package, label, seal, and maintain chain of custody.
• D. Collect and immediately present without packaging.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is preserving evidence integrity from collection through presentation by keeping an unbroken chain of custody and proper packaging. The best practice is to collect the item, package it securely, label it with essential details (case number, item description, date/time, agency), seal it to show it hasn’t been tampered with, and record every transfer of possession. This sequence protects the evidence from contamination or alteration and provides a clear, auditable history so anyone can verify its authenticity in court. Without packaging or labeling, or if custody isn’t documented, the evidence can be challenged or deemed inadmissible.