What does the concept of 'chain of custody' help to maintain?

The concept of 'chain of custody' is crucial in the field of forensics and legal investigations as it helps maintain the integrity of an item. The chain of custody refers to the process of keeping a detailed, documented history of how evidence is collected, handled, stored, and transferred throughout an investigation. This process ensures that the evidence remains unaltered and is preserved in its original state from the moment it is collected until it is presented in court.

Maintaining the integrity of an item is essential because if there are any lapses in the chain of custody or if the evidence is mishandled, its validity can be called into question. Courts require that evidence be intact and authentic, as any compromise can lead to challenges regarding its admissibility and reliability. Thus, the chain of custody serves as a safeguard against contamination, alteration, or misplacement of evidence, ultimately upholding the credibility of the investigation and its outcomes.