What must items of evidence be labeled with during transportation?

Labeling items of evidence during transportation with signatures and descriptions is essential for maintaining the integrity and traceability of the evidence. Signatures serve as a form of accountability, indicating who handled the item at various points throughout the evidence chain. This helps ensure that there is a clear record of custody, which is crucial in legal contexts. Descriptions provide critical information about the evidence, such as its nature, condition, and any relevant identifiers that distinguish it from other items.

Accurate labeling helps to prevent tampering and misidentification, thereby preserving the evidentiary value of the items. By ensuring that both signatures and descriptions are included, investigators can establish a reliable chain of custody, which is vital for both criminal and civil cases. This practice supports the principle of evidence-based decision-making in legal procedures and investigations.