Spoilation is defined as what?

• A. Evidence that is destroyed, damaged, altered or otherwise not preserved
• B. A properly documented chain of custody
• C. Evidence that is sealed in a tamper-evident bag
• D. A photograph of the scene

Answer: (A)

Spoilation means the destruction, damage, alteration, or other failure to preserve evidence in its original state. When evidence is spoiled, its integrity is compromised, which can affect its admissibility and usefulness in an investigation or court. The other options describe good preservation practices or different concepts: a properly documented chain of custody ensures traceability, sealing evidence in a tamper-evident bag helps prevent spoilation, and a photograph is a documentation tool.