From Seizure to Courtroom: A Blockchain Framework for Verifiable Evidence Chain of Custody
Thesis Advisor: Dr. Firas D Khatib, Computer & Information Science
Committee Members:
Dr. Yuchou Chang, Computer & Information Science
Dr. Amir Akhavan Masoumi, Computer & Information Science
Abstract:
The integrity of evidence chain of custody is fundamental to the administration of justice. From the moment evidence is seized to its presentation in court, each transfer, analysis, and storage event must be accurately documented to preserve admissibility and public trust. Drawing from professional experience in law enforcement, the importance of maintaining a clear, consistent, and defensible chain of custody is not only procedural but critical to the outcome of investigations and prosecutions. In practice, even minor discrepancies can raise significant legal challenges, reinforcing the need for systems that ensure reliability and accountability. As the volume and complexity of both physical and digital evidence continue to grow, the need for a more robust and verifiable chain of custody has become more critical than ever. However, traditional evidence management systems often rely on fragmented databases, paper logs, or centralized digital records that may be vulnerable to human error, inconsistent auditing practices, or unauthorized modification. These limitations can complicate courtroom proceedings and weaken confidence in evidentiary integrity. This thesis proposes a blockchain-based framework for verifiable evidence chain of custody in law enforcement. Leveraging the immutability, transparency, and distributed consensus mechanisms of permissioned blockchain systems, the proposed model records evidence handling events as tamper-resistant transactions. The framework is designed to support role-based access controls, timestamped custody transfers, and cryptographic hashing of evidence metadata to ensure integrity without exposing sensitive case information. To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach, a prototype system was developed to simulate the evidence lifecycle, including seizure, storage, laboratory transfer, and courtroom submission. Performance, integrity, and auditability were analyzed and compared with traditional record-keeping systems. The results demonstrate that blockchain-based custody logging enhances tamper resistance and audit transparency while introducing manageable performance trade-offs. Beyond technical evaluation, this research examines the legal and policy implications of implementing blockchain in evidence management, including considerations of privacy, admissibility standards, and institutional oversight. By integrating technical design with operational and legal analysis, this research presents a practical framework for strengthening evidence integrity for modern law enforcement systems.
For further information please contact Dr. Firas Khatib at fkhatib@umassd.edu
Dion 311
Dr. Firas Khatib
fkhatib@umassd.edu