When a movement occurs, which practice helps maintain accountability?

• A. Re-label items without updating records.
• B. Maintain chain-of-custody.
• C. Increase number of approvals required.
• D. Ignore small discrepancies.

Answer: (B)

Maintaining chain-of-custody during movements ensures a continuous, verifiable record of whose possession the item is in, when it moved, and where it went. This creates a traceable path from origin to destination, making it possible to hold individuals accountable for each handoff and quickly flag any unapproved transfers or losses. Re-labeling without updating records breaks the traceability, undermining accountability. Adding more approvals helps control risk but doesn’t guarantee traceability if the movement isn’t accurately recorded. Ignoring small discrepancies allows issues to grow unnoticed. Keeping a clear chain-of-custody is the practice that best supports accountability during movements.