Which of the following actions violates the chain of custody?

Allowing unauthorized personnel to handle the evidence is a direct violation of the chain of custody because it compromises the integrity and authenticity of the evidence. The chain of custody is a process that ensures evidence remains in its original state and can be verified for legal proceedings. Each individual who has access to the evidence must be accountable, and all transfers of the evidence should be documented meticulously to establish a trustworthy history of its handling.

When unauthorized personnel are allowed to manage or tamper with the evidence, there’s a risk of contamination, loss, or alteration, which can jeopardize investigations and the prosecution of cases. Maintaining strict control over who can access evidence is essential for upholding the reliability of the evidence in court, ensuring that it is accepted as valid and not subject to challenges based on its handling or authenticity.