Preventing alteration of evidence involves documenting actions on that evidence. This is known as what?

The correct answer is "Chain of Custody," which refers to the process of maintaining and documenting the handling of evidence to ensure its integrity throughout an investigation. Establishing a clear chain of custody is crucial because it tracks the evidence from the moment it is collected until it is presented in a court of law. This documentation includes who collected the evidence, how it was stored, any transfers between individuals or locations, and any access to the evidence. This thorough record is vital to prevent alteration, tampering, or loss of evidence, which can significantly undermine the integrity of an investigation.

The concept of "Chain of Custody" ensures that the evidence is admissible in legal proceedings by demonstrating that it has been properly preserved and has not been altered. Without a robust chain of custody, the credibility of the evidence could be challenged, potentially impacting the outcome of the case.

On the other hand, terms like "Preservation," "Forensic Analysis," and "Pattern Logging" do not capture the regulatory and procedural aspects of managing evidence in the context of an investigation, which is why they are not the correct answer in this scenario. Preservation focuses more on protecting the evidence from damage or alteration, while forensic analysis refers to the examination process of gathering insights from the