What is a chain of custody?

A chain of custody refers specifically to the documentation and tracking of evidence as it is collected, handled, and transferred throughout an investigation. This process ensures that the evidence remains in its original condition and that its integrity is preserved from the time it is collected until it is presented in court. Maintaining an unbroken chain of custody is crucial in legal proceedings as it strengthens the credibility of the evidence and supports the findings of the investigation. If the evidence can be proven to have been handled properly, it increases the likelihood that it will be admissible in a trial.

The other options relate to different aspects of fire investigations but do not accurately define what a chain of custody is. For instance, extinguishing a fire deals with response techniques rather than evidence management. Interviewing witnesses pertains to gathering testimonies, while presenting evidence in court deals with how information is communicated during legal proceedings, rather than tracking evidence handling.