What is a major concern when performing any forensic analysis?

Maintaining chain of custody is a critical concern in forensic analysis because it ensures that the integrity of the evidence is preserved throughout the investigation process. The chain of custody documents the handling of evidence from the moment it is collected to its presentation in court. This documentation is essential for establishing that the evidence has not been altered, tampered with, or compromised in any way. If the chain of custody is broken, the reliability of the evidence can be questioned, potentially undermining the entire investigation and any legal proceedings that may follow.

In forensic work, each person who handles the evidence must be accounted for, and clear records must be maintained. This not only helps establish credibility but also protects the forensic analyst or investigator from legal challenges regarding the admissibility of the evidence in court. Therefore, maintaining the chain of custody is paramount to ensuring that findings are robust and can withstand scrutiny during legal processes.