What is the purpose of a chain of custody in evidence handling?

The purpose of a chain of custody in evidence handling is to maintain the evidence's integrity from the moment it is collected until it is presented in court. This involves documenting every person who handled the evidence, along with the times and conditions under which it was transferred or accessed. By establishing a clear chain of custody, investigators can ensure that the evidence has not been tampered with, altered, or otherwise compromised throughout the investigative process. This is critical for the legal process, as a well-maintained chain of custody enhances the credibility of the evidence, ensuring that it can be reliably used to support findings in court.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary significance of a chain of custody. Displaying evidence publicly does not protect its integrity, while facilitating easy access or allowing for quick disposal contradicts the fundamental requirement of maintaining evidence in a secure and tamper-proof manner.