Which statement best describes the chain of custody requirements for a sexual assault kit?

• A. Chain of custody only applies to DNA analyses.
• B. Custody is not necessary after collection.
• C. Evidence can be moved without records if collected properly.
• D. Evidence must be properly collected, labeled, logged, secured, and transferred with documented custody from collection to analysis in court.

Answer: (D)

The chain of custody for a sexual assault kit hinges on maintaining the evidential integrity from the moment of collection through to analysis and potential court presentation. This means the kit must be properly collected, labeled with a unique identifier, and logged so every item is traceable. It must be secured in an appropriate container and stored or transported in a way that prevents tampering, with a documented record of every transfer—who handled the kit, when, and why. This documented custody continues as the kit moves to the crime laboratory and finally to court, ensuring there is a clear, unbroken trail showing the evidence has not been altered, contaminated, or replaced.

This is why the other statements don’t fit: chain of custody isn’t limited to DNA analyses—every physical piece of evidence requires a custody trail; custody isn’t discarded after collection—keeping custody is essential through all stages; and moving evidence without records isn’t acceptable—each transfer must be documented to preserve admissibility.