Which form is used to maintain the chain of custody for evidence?

The CG-5117 form is designed specifically for maintaining the chain of custody for evidence collected in various situations. It ensures that all evidence is properly documented, tracked, and secured from the point of collection through to the court process. This form plays a crucial role in legal proceedings because it helps establish the integrity and authenticity of the evidence, protecting it from being challenged in court due to claims of tampering or mismanagement.

While other documents, such as incident reports or case summary documents, might contain information related to the case and support the legal process, they do not serve the specific function of tracking and preserving the chain of custody as effectively as the CG-5117 form. The evidence catalog also serves an important role in organizing and listing evidence but lacks the specialized focus on documenting the handling and transfer of evidence that is critical for maintaining a chain of custody. Thus, utilizing the CG-5117 form is essential for law enforcement and legal professionals to uphold the integrity of evidence throughout investigations and judicial proceedings.