After signing a sealed bag, what is the purpose?

• A. To document the transfer or custody of the bag
• B. To label with date only
• C. To log into inventory
• D. To certify the evidence type

Answer: (A)

Signing a sealed bag is about creating and documenting the chain of custody. When someone signs, they acknowledge who currently has control of the bag and when the handoff occurred, which helps prove the item was received, secured, and not altered since sealing. This accountability is crucial for admissibility in court, as it shows the bag’s integrity from seizure to presentation.

Labeling with just a date doesn’t establish who has the bag or when transfers occurred. Logging into inventory is a related administrative step, but the signature specifically records transfer of custody. Certifying the evidence type is about identifying what the item is, not who possesses it or the custody history.