Utah Special Function Officer (SFO) Practice Exam

What does chain of custody refer to?

1. The method of storing evidence securely

2. Accounting of seized evidence from seizure until trial

3. The documentation of witness statements

4. The process of collecting evidence at a crime scene

The correct answer is: Accounting of seized evidence from seizure until trial

Chain of custody refers to the process of maintaining and documenting the handling of evidence from the time it is collected until it is presented in court. This ensures that the evidence remains intact and is not altered, tampered with, or contaminated during the handling process. Recording each individual who handles the evidence creates a reliable record that can support its authenticity during legal proceedings. By accurately accounting for seized evidence from the moment of seizure through its analysis and ultimately to trial, any party involved can verify the integrity of the evidence presented in court. This is crucial for maintaining the credibility of the evidence and the overall integrity of the judicial process. While securely storing evidence and collecting it properly are important parts of evidence handling, they do not encompass the full scope of what chain of custody entails. Documenting witness statements is valuable but is not part of the chain of custody concept, which specifically relates to physical evidence management.