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The term that describes the process of maintaining the integrity of evidence is chain of custody. This process involves documenting the handling and storage of evidence from the moment it is collected until it is presented in court. It is crucial because it helps ensure that the evidence has not been altered, contaminated, or tampered with, thereby reinforcing its reliability and admissibility in legal proceedings.

Chain of custody includes detailed records that outline who collected the evidence, how it was stored, and who had access to it during the entire process. This meticulous tracking is vital for establishing the authenticity of the evidence and protecting it against claims of mishandling.

In contrast, the other terms relate to different aspects of evidence management: chain of command refers to the hierarchy within an organization, evidence preservation focuses on the methods used to keep evidence intact, and evidence collection emphasizes the procedures used to gather evidence initially. Each term is important in the overall context of law enforcement and forensic science, but chain of custody specifically pertains to maintaining evidence integrity throughout the judicial process.