IV. Storing evidence 1. Testimonial evidence The safe and secure storage of evidence is fundamental to effective human rights documentation. The storage of interview testimony and audiovisual evidence is discussed in Section C.I. under “Step 4: Developing a Case Management System”. 2. Physical evidence and the chain of custody Physical evidence that is collected by documentation teams—whether documents or items of real evidence—should be stored and labeled in a way that preserves a clear chain of custody. The record of a chain of custody over an item of evidence is a written record of all of the individuals who have had control over the item. It may be relied on by a court as proof that the item being presented in a trial has not been improperly tampered or interfered with since it was retrieved from the scene of an alleged crime. Maintaining a limited chain of custody is also an important way of protecting the confidentiality of evidence. The record of a chain of custody should clearly state:  The description of the item;  The identity of the person who collected the item;  The time and date at which the item was collected;  The location from which the item was retrieved. Each time the item of evidence changes hands, the record should be updated. 20