What characteristic is essential for an evidence storage facility?

The essential characteristic of an evidence storage facility being that access is limited to authorized custodians is crucial for maintaining the integrity and chain of custody of the evidence. By restricting access, the facility minimizes the risk of contamination, tampering, or loss of evidence. Authorized custodians are typically trained personnel who understand the importance of following protocols related to evidence management. This ensures that only trustworthy individuals who follow established procedures can handle or access evidence, protecting the integrity of investigations and legal processes.

Other characteristics, while important, do not encompass the fundamental requirement for securely managing evidence. For instance, having a single entrance may help control access, but it is not sufficient on its own if those allowed entry are not properly vetted or trained. Continuous video monitoring can be beneficial for security, but it does not prevent unauthorized persons from accessing valuable evidence. Similarly, limiting handling of evidence solely to the investigator is impractical and can hinder the collaborative nature of investigations, where multiple professionals may need to interact with the evidence at various stages. Thus, limiting access to authorized custodians is the most critical requirement for an evidence storage facility.