After evidence is collected at the scene, forensic investigators or LEOs transport items either to police station evidence storage lockers or a forensic science laboratory for further analysis. Wet or damp items are dried separately in special drying lockers. Perishable items may be stored in a locked refrigerator or freezer. Items may then enter longer-term storage at a storage facility.

Whatever their destination, each time an item changes hands, its chain of custody must be updated, and if the item's packaging is opened, the container should be sealed with the opener's initials and the date.

Properly procured, transferred, and stored evidence maintains its integrity and is more likely to be admissible at trial. What impact the evidence has is heavily influenced by whether and how the prosecutor presents it. The defendant may choose to object to an item's admission into evidence; then it is up to the judge to decide on admissibility. Once the evidence is admitted at trial, however, its value is determined by the fact-finder.