LAC 41:II.310. Chain of Custody

A. When an item of physical evidence is introduced at trial, counsel must show that it is the same item that was found at the scene of a crime or otherwise connected with the offense and that the item has not been materially altered. The chain of custody document is a written record listing all persons who have handled an item from the time it was originally identified as evidence until the time of trial. Therefore, secure storage for such evidentiary items is crucial. Coordination with the servicing staff Judge Advocates and, if available, active component CID personnel and/or local law enforcement authorities should prove useful in this regard.