ACT 235 Evidence Collection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Act 235, when a lethal weapons agent observes a crime scene, what is the FIRST priority before collecting any evidence?
- Begin photographing all visible evidence immediately
- Ensure officer and bystander safety and secure the perimeter (Correct answer)
- Contact the district attorney's office for guidance
- Start a written inventory of all items in the area
Correct answer: Ensure officer and bystander safety and secure the perimeter
Scene safety and securing the perimeter are always the first priorities before any evidence collection activities begin.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the 'chain of custody' in evidence collection?
- The physical chain used to secure evidence lockers
- A documented record tracking who handled evidence from collection to court (Correct answer)
- The order in which officers arrive at a crime scene
- A ranking system for classifying evidence by importance
Correct answer: A documented record tracking who handled evidence from collection to court
Chain of custody is a chronological documentation showing who collected, handled, transferred, and analyzed evidence to ensure its integrity.
Question 3: A lethal weapons agent finds a firearm at a scene. What is the correct initial step before packaging it as evidence?
- Wipe the firearm clean to prevent accidental discharge
- Clear the weapon and render it safe before packaging (Correct answer)
- Place it directly in a paper bag without handling the action
- Fire one test round to confirm the weapon is operational
Correct answer: Clear the weapon and render it safe before packaging
Before packaging a firearm as evidence, it must be cleared and rendered safe to protect personnel handling the evidence.
Question 4: When collecting biological evidence such as blood at a scene, an Act 235 agent should use which type of container?
- Airtight plastic sealed bags to prevent contamination
- Paper bags or breathable containers to prevent mold and bacterial growth (Correct answer)
- Glass jars with metal lids to preserve samples
- Any container available as speed is more important than container type
Correct answer: Paper bags or breathable containers to prevent mold and bacterial growth
Biological evidence should be stored in breathable paper containers because airtight plastic traps moisture and accelerates decomposition.
Question 5: During evidence collection, an Act 235 agent realizes a piece of evidence may have been moved before their arrival. What should they do?
- Ignore it since the disturbance is beyond their control
- Document the known or suspected disturbance in their report (Correct answer)
- Discard the evidence as it is now inadmissible
- Move the evidence back to its assumed original location
Correct answer: Document the known or suspected disturbance in their report
Any known or suspected disturbance to a scene must be documented in the report so investigators and courts are aware of potential contamination.
Question 6: Which of the following is a proper technique for collecting trace evidence such as hair or fibers?
- Picking it up with bare fingers and placing it in a plastic bag
- Using clean forceps or tape lifts and packaging in paper folds or envelopes (Correct answer)
- Vacuuming the area and discarding the bag after photographing
- Leaving trace evidence in place as only forensic labs can collect it
Correct answer: Using clean forceps or tape lifts and packaging in paper folds or envelopes
Forceps or tape lifts prevent contamination from skin oils, and paper packaging prevents moisture buildup that can destroy trace evidence.
Question 7: Under Act 235 standards, what must accompany each item of evidence when it is submitted to storage or a lab?
- A verbal confirmation from the collecting officer
- Properly completed evidence tags or labels with case number, date, and collector ID (Correct answer)
- A photograph signed by two witnesses
- Written approval from a supervising officer before submission
Correct answer: Properly completed evidence tags or labels with case number, date, and collector ID
Each evidence item must have a properly completed tag or label including case number, date, location, and the collector's identification to maintain chain of custody.
ACT 235 Evidence Collection 2
Under Act 235, when a lethal weapons agent observes a crime scene, what is the FIRST priority before collecting any evidence?