ACT 235 Evidence Collection 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When an Act 235 agent photographs a crime scene, in what order should photographs generally be taken?
- Close-up shots first, then mid-range, then overall wide shots
- Overall/wide shots first, then mid-range, then close-up detail shots (Correct answer)
- Only close-ups are necessary since wide shots are taken by detectives
- Photographs should be taken in the order evidence is collected
Correct answer: Overall/wide shots first, then mid-range, then close-up detail shots
Standard crime scene photography moves from overall establishing shots, to mid-range orientation shots, to close-up detail shots to document context before details.
Question 2: An Act 235 agent collects a spent cartridge casing at a shooting scene. Where should the agent mark the casing for identification?
- On the projectile tip with a permanent marker
- On the inside of the casing or base without obscuring markings (Correct answer)
- On the outside of the casing wherever visible
- Markings should not be placed on casings; only the evidence bag is marked
Correct answer: On the inside of the casing or base without obscuring markings
Initials or identifying marks on cartridge casings should be placed inside the casing or on the base to avoid obscuring ballistic toolmark evidence on the exterior.
Question 3: What is the purpose of using a scale or ruler in crime scene photographs?
- To measure the distance between the agent and the evidence for safety purposes
- To provide a reference for the actual size of evidence items in photographs (Correct answer)
- Required by Act 235 for all photographs taken in Pennsylvania
- To ensure the camera is at the correct focal distance
Correct answer: To provide a reference for the actual size of evidence items in photographs
A scale or ruler in photographs provides a reference so that the actual size of evidence can be accurately determined from the image.
Question 4: A witness voluntarily hands an Act 235 agent a piece of potential evidence. What is the correct procedure?
- Accept it, place it in a pocket, and document it later at the station
- Accept it using gloves, immediately package and label it, and document the transfer (Correct answer)
- Refuse it because unsolicited evidence cannot be used in court
- Ask the witness to keep it until detectives arrive so chain of custody is preserved
Correct answer: Accept it using gloves, immediately package and label it, and document the transfer
Evidence from a witness should be accepted with gloves, immediately packaged and labeled, with full documentation of the transfer to preserve chain of custody.
Question 5: When is it appropriate for an Act 235 lethal weapons agent to collect digital evidence such as a cell phone?
- Anytime the agent believes the phone may be relevant to an incident
- Only when authorized by law, with proper legal authority or consent (Correct answer)
- Never — digital evidence is exclusively handled by IT specialists
- When the phone is unlocked and evidence can be immediately viewed
Correct answer: Only when authorized by law, with proper legal authority or consent
Digital evidence collection requires proper legal authority such as a warrant, consent, or an applicable legal exception to protect Fourth Amendment rights.
Question 6: Which action would CONTAMINATE a crime scene and compromise evidence integrity?
- Wearing latex or nitrile gloves when collecting evidence
- Eating or drinking at the scene before evidence collection is complete (Correct answer)
- Using numbered placards to mark evidence locations
- Taking notes about the position of evidence before moving it
Correct answer: Eating or drinking at the scene before evidence collection is complete
Eating or drinking at a scene introduces foreign DNA, fibers, or substances that can contaminate biological and trace evidence.
Question 7: When documenting evidence locations at a scene, which method provides the most accurate fixed reference for court purposes?
- Estimating distances by pacing and noting approximate locations
- Using baseline or triangulation measurements from fixed reference points (Correct answer)
- GPS coordinates only, without additional measurements
- Sketching the scene from memory after leaving
Correct answer: Using baseline or triangulation measurements from fixed reference points
Baseline or triangulation measurements from fixed immovable reference points provide precise, reproducible locations that hold up to court scrutiny.
ACT 235 Evidence Collection 3
When an Act 235 agent photographs a crime scene, in what order should photographs generally be taken?