Which action is NOT part of the initial chain-of-custody process for seized evidence?

Which action is NOT part of the initial chain-of-custody process for seized evidence?

• A. Place item in appropriate container
• B. Label with case details
• C. Log it in the chain
• D. Remove item from scene and give to witness

Answer: (D)

Preserving evidence and documenting its possession from the moment it is seized is the main idea. The initial steps are to place the item in an appropriate container to protect it, label the container with essential case details, and log the item in the chain so every transfer is recorded and verifiable. Removing the item from the scene and giving it to a witness is not part of this process; doing so would break the chain of custody, risking loss, contamination, or disputes over handling. In proper practice, the evidence is kept under control and transferred only to authorized custodians or secured storage, not handed to a witness.

Preserving evidence and documenting its possession from the moment it is seized is the main idea. The initial steps are to place the item in an appropriate container to protect it, label the container with essential case details, and log the item in the chain so every transfer is recorded and verifiable. Removing the item from the scene and giving it to a witness is not part of this process; doing so would break the chain of custody, risking loss, contamination, or disputes over handling. In proper practice, the evidence is kept under control and transferred only to authorized custodians or secured storage, not handed to a witness.