# research_engine/evidence_locker — Module Status

**Status:** DOCUMENTED_ONLY
**Prompt:** Prompt 4 V9

## Purpose
Primary evidence storage for research results. Stores evidence items with
citations, quality scores, and retrieval metadata. Used by proof_packet_factory
to assemble proof packets.

## Files
- `evidence_locker.py` — evidence store (SQLite-backed when active)
- `citation_tracker.py` — citation registry and deduplication

## Data Flow
```
research_engine → evidence_locker → proof_packet_factory → approval_queue
```

## Activation Requirements
- [ ] research_engine ACTIVE
- [ ] SQLite schema migrated (aegis.db or separate evidence.db)
- [ ] Retention policy enforced (90 day minimum)
- [ ] No PII stored — verified by human review