What must everyone who takes possession of evidence do?

The requirement for everyone who takes possession of evidence to document their actions by completing the chain of custody form is fundamental in maintaining the integrity of the evidence. The chain of custody form provides a documented history of who collected, handled, or transferred the evidence, which is crucial for ensuring that the evidence can be trusted in a legal context. This documentation serves as a safeguard against tampering or contamination and helps establish the credibility of the evidence during investigations and trials.

Accurate and thorough documentation helps to prove that proper procedures were followed throughout the evidence handling process, which is essential for the entire legal process. This transparency is vital in legal proceedings where the integrity of the evidence may be challenged. Therefore, completing a chain of custody form is a critical responsibility for those who come into contact with evidence.