AN ALTERNATIVE FOR ENSURING CHAIN OF CUSTODY TRACEABILITY OF FORENSIC EVIDENCE

Abstract

The Brazilian Law 13.964/19 enhances criminal and procedural legislation by mandating the establishment of a central custody system managed by an official forensic authority dedicated to the control and preservation of evidence. Consequently, it is essential to conduct thorough registration and detailed documentation of each phase and movement of the evidence. The integration of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in this context represents a significant advancement due to its effectiveness in ensuring traceability across various fields. Although the legislation is relatively recent, it contains limited articles addressing the subject, particularly regarding technologies that facilitate the tracking of forensic evidence. This study aims to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of traceability for forensic evidence during its transit between different locations or while under the responsibility of various central custody facilities, utilizing RFID technology. A narrative review was conducted using keywords such as "chain of custody, "anti-crime package", “law 13.964” and "Radio Frequency Identification" across three different databases, resulting in an article that met the established criteria. The analysis revealed that RFID technology offers a promising solution for the tracking and management of forensic evidence custody, significantly enhancing the processes and security associated with these materials. In this context, the adoption of RFID technology is regarded as a favorable alternative for improving the traceability of forensic evidence.