Why is chain of custody important in breath testing?

Chain of custody is crucial in breath testing because it ensures the integrity of the evidence collected throughout the testing process. Maintaining a documented chain of custody means that each person who handles the testing or the results is accounted for, which safeguards against tampering, contamination, or any alterations to the evidence. This is foundational in legal settings, as it establishes that the sample has not been compromised and can be trusted for evidential purposes.

If the chain of custody is properly maintained, it bolsters the credibility of the testing process and promotes confidence that the results are reliable. Any breaks or uncertainties in this chain could lead to challenges in court, undermining the admissibility of the test results. Thus, safeguarding the integrity of the evidence is essential for ensuring justice in situations involving breath testing.