[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.19.18″ custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false”][et_pb_row custom_padding=”30px|0px|27px|0px|false|false” _builder_version=”3.19.18″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.19.18″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.18″]<\/p>\n
In the process of doing human rights documentation work, human rights practitioners can sometimes encounter scenes of human rights violations earlier than enforcement agencies, or they may come across physical or documentary evidence of alleged human rights crimes independently. If this occurs, they bear the important responsibility of recording and\/or storing that evidence and any useful accompanying information responsibly. If that evidence is to be used in a court later, it must be handled carefully. This is where the <\/span>chain of custody<\/b><\/span> comes into play.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”38px|0px|27px|0px|false|false” _builder_version=”3.19.18″][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.19.18″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.18″]<\/p>\n The record of a chain of custody is a written record of <\/span>all<\/b><\/span> of the individuals who have had control over any piece of information, be it physical evidence or documentation. The record should also include other information like the purpose for which they handled the document. For the information that is normally required, see the ‘<\/span>Key Features’ <\/b><\/span>section below. In human rights documentation contexts, the chain starts when the documentation is first retrieved or collected and ends at the moment where it is handed to an investigating authority or court.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”3.19.18″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/accessaccountability.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/chain.jpg” _builder_version=”3.19.18″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”30px|0px|0|0px|false|false” _builder_version=”3.19.18″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.19.18″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.18″]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n First, as the documentation may be relied on by a court of law, the record of a chain of custody serves as proof that that documentation has not been improperly tampered or interfered with when changing hands. This is of utmost importance as evidence that is improperly interfered with can be deemed <\/span>inadmissible<\/a><\/span>, meaning that it cannot be admitted to the court as evidence. Second, if the identity of each individual who has had control over the evidence is clearly recorded, the court can call the right individuals to testify in court if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The record of a chain of custody should clearly state:<\/span><\/p>\n 1. A description of the evidence<\/b><\/span>, for example:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2. Details of the collector (for example, name and organisation)<\/b><\/p>\n 3. The identity of the person who released and collected the documentation respectively;<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n 4. The signature of the persons mentioned above;<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n 5. The time and date at which any exchange of hands happens;<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n 6. T<\/b><\/span>he <\/b>purpose of any change of custody.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n This record should be updated every time the documentation changes hands. The list above is non-exhaustive, and more information can be added if necessary, such as photographs or copies of the evidence. Below is a sample template for a chain of custody form.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\nWhat is the Chain of Custody?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Why is it important?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Key Features<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Chain of Custody Sample Template <\/strong><\/h3>\n
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