Skip to contentSkip to search

Chain of custody

Chain of custody is the documented record of who collected, handled, transferred and stored evidence and when. It helps support the integrity and traceability of evidence used in an investigation or legal process.

Worked example

An investigator logs the collection, sealing, transfer and secure storage of a device containing relevant records.

Common mistake

Maintaining a log does not prove the contents are true; authenticity and evidential reliability must also be assessed.

Where it appears in your exams

QualificationExamRelationshipPeriod
ACCA AAA (INT) Supporting September 2026–June 2027