In the context of investigative reporting, what does the term 'chain of custody' refer to?

The term 'chain of custody' refers specifically to the documentation of evidence handling in investigative reporting. This concept is crucial in ensuring that evidence collected during an investigation is properly managed, tracked, and preserved from the time it is obtained until it is presented in court.

Maintaining a clear record of who collected the evidence, how it was stored, and who had access to it throughout the investigation process is essential for establishing the integrity and reliability of the evidence. This procedure helps prevent any alterations or contamination, ensuring that the evidence remains admissible and credible in legal proceedings.

In contrast, securing a suspect involves apprehension and is a different aspect of law enforcement procedures. The timeline of events relates to the chronology of actions that occurred during an incident but does not directly address how evidence is treated. Witness testimonies constitute statements made by individuals who observed the events, but they do not encompass the management of physical evidence. Thus, documentation of evidence handling is the focus of the concept of 'chain of custody.'