Chain of Custody
The unbreakable chronological documentation that records the sequence of custody, control, transfer, analysis, and disposition of digital evidence. Without it, even the most compelling evidence can be excluded from court.
100%
Auditable Transfers
24
Hour Secure Storage
0
Compromises
What is Chain of Custody?
Chain of custody is the paper trail or electronic log that proves an exhibit presented in court is the exact same item that was originally collected, and that it has not been altered, tampered with, or substituted in any way.
For digital evidence, this concept extends beyond the physical device (such as a laptop or mobile phone) to the digital data itself. A broken chain of custody provides opposing counsel with a direct path to have crucial evidence excluded from proceedings on the basis of unreliability.
Important Note
Allowing internal IT staff or uncertified consultants to handle a device prior to forensic collection inherently breaks the chain of custody. Booting a computer or opening a file modifies digital metadata irreversibly, raising severe doubts about evidence authenticity.
The Secure Evidence Lifecycle
Triage Forensics implements uncompromising procedures to ensure the authenticity and security of all physical and digital exhibits.
Evidence Identification
Every physical device or digital volume is immediately photographed, logged, and assigned a unique evidentiary tracking number. Serial numbers, make, model, and physical condition are exhaustively documented upon receipt.
Transfer Records
Any movement of evidence requires a formal, signed transfer record. We document exactly who relinquished the evidence, who received it, the date, time, and the purpose of the transfer, ensuring zero gaps in the timeline.
Integrity Verification
Upon acquisition, cryptographic hash values (such as SHA-256) are generated for the data. These “digital fingerprints” are recorded in the chain of custody and can be recalculated years later to prove the data has never changed.
Strict Access Controls
Only authorised forensic practitioners working directly on your matter are permitted access to the evidence. Physical evidence is securely logged, and digital evidence is held on isolated, encrypted forensic networks.
Secure Storage Facilities
Physical devices are stored in secure, anti-static, climate-controlled environments equipped with access logging and 24/7 security. Devices are protected from both physical degradation and unauthorised tampering.
Secure Disposition
Once a matter is concluded, evidence is either securely returned via documented courier to the instructing party or securely destroyed using Department of Defence (DoD) standard data wiping and physical destruction protocols.