What is meant by 'chain of custody' in evidence collection?

The term 'chain of custody' refers specifically to the documentation of evidence handling throughout the investigation process. This involves a clear and detailed record that shows who collected the evidence, how it was handled, where it was stored, and who had access to it at all times. The purpose of maintaining a proper chain of custody is to ensure that the evidence remains authentic and uncontaminated, which is crucial for it to be admissible in court. If any gaps or issues are found in the chain of custody, it could potentially challenge the integrity of the evidence. In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the systematic approach to evidence collection and integrity; they focus on different aspects of the investigative process that do not directly pertain to how evidence is documented and tracked.