Chain of Custody
The chain of custody is a procedure that is completed when all evidence has been retrieved from the crime scene, an exhibits log officer completes the chain of custody for each piece of evidence they have been handed. They record the type of evidence that has been seized (chemical, psychical, biological) and also who collected the piece of evidence. This is completed for everyone that handles the piece of evidence, so they next protocol after the SOCO's will be the forensic scientists and there information. By including the information of every person that has handled the piece of evidence this is an advantage as if the case was taken to court they will be able to see where the evidence has been throughout the whole investigation. By completing the chain of custody this can contribute to proof of valid evidence collection as the exhibits log will state all of the evidence that was collected from the scene. The chain of custody ensures that nothing is lost throughout the investigation process and that all evidence is handled by the correct people.
Chain of Custody within the Soham Murders
All evidence taken from the crime scene, Huntley's home and also the small building outside of Soham Village College was recorded in the chain of custody which was an advantage as it stated what the evidence was, who collected it and also who handled it. This was valuable to complete within the case at it stated who handled the evidence throughout the inter investigation, it showed that only authorized personnel handled the evidence.