OSH Security Practice Test

What could be a result of, after collecting and storing evidence, the “Chain Of Custody” being broken?

1. Evidence may no longer be admissible in court

2. The accused could walk free

3. Professionalism would be in question

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

When the “Chain of Custody” is broken, it can lead to significant legal ramifications, particularly regarding the admissibility of evidence in court. If evidence is not handled correctly, there can be questions raised about its authenticity and integrity. This means that if a piece of evidence is compromised, altered, or its handling is not properly documented, it could potentially be deemed inadmissible in court. This is critical in legal proceedings, as the admissibility of evidence can heavily influence the outcome of a case. Moreover, when the integrity of the evidence is called into question, this can directly impact the defendant's situation, possibly allowing the accused to be acquitted or walk free if the evidence against them cannot be reliably used in the judicial process. Additionally, a broken chain of custody raises concerns about the professionalism and credibility of those handling the evidence. It reflects a lack of adherence to protocol, which can cast doubt on their expertise and the overall investigation process. Therefore, all of these consequences—evidence becoming inadmissible, the potential for the accused to walk free, and questions about professional conduct—are valid implications of a broken Chain of Custody.