Which method documents the transfer of evidence to the lab?

• A. Verbal handoff only.
• B. A handwritten note with no transfer log.
• C. Documented chain-of-custody with corresponding packaging and transfer logs.
• D. No documentation is required if the evidence is small.

Answer: (C)

Maintaining a chain of custody through documented transfer records is essential when moving evidence to the lab. It creates an auditable trail of every person who handled the item, the times and locations, and the condition of the evidence at each step. A documented chain-of-custody with corresponding packaging and transfer logs captures all of that: the packaging is sealed and labeled, transfer logs record who received and released the item and when, and signatures confirm accountability. This is what ensures the evidence’s integrity and admissibility in court. Verbal handoffs lack a verifiable record, a handwritten note without a transfer log doesn’t document every handoff, and having no documentation cannot prove the full chain of custody.