What term describes the established procedure for maintaining control over evidence to prevent tampering?

The term that describes the established procedure for maintaining control over evidence to prevent tampering is the "Chain of Custody." This refers to the documented and unbroken transfer of evidence from one individual to another, ensuring that it is preserved in its original condition throughout an investigation or legal proceeding. The chain of custody is crucial in legal contexts, as it verifies the integrity of the evidence, indicating who collected it, how it was handled, and where it has been stored. This process is designed to prevent any alterations, contamination, or unauthorized access, thereby maintaining the evidence's credibility in court.

Having a proper chain of custody helps ensure that the evidence can be reliably used in investigations and legal cases. Its importance cannot be overstated, as any breaks in this chain can lead to challenges regarding the validity of the evidence presented. In contrast, terms like "Evidence Chain," "Document Control," and "Evidence Preservation" do not specifically address the procedural aspects of tracking evidence ownership and handling, which is the critical focus of the chain of custody.