ACT 235 Evidence Collection 4

Question 1

Under Act 235, if an agent must collect evidence in an area with potential bloodborne pathogen exposure, what protective equipment is mandatory?

Accepted Answer

Gloves at minimum; face shield and protective gown if splash risk exists

Answer

OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards require gloves at minimum and additional PPE such as face shield and gown when splash exposure is possible.

Question 2

A lethal weapons agent collects a knife with suspected blood on the blade. Which packaging method is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Wrap the blade in paper, place in a rigid container such as a cardboard box, and label

Answer

Bladed weapons with biological evidence should be wrapped in paper (breathable) and secured in a rigid container to protect the evidence and prevent injury to handlers.

Question 3

What does 'Locard's Exchange Principle' mean in the context of crime scene evidence?

Accepted Answer

Every contact between two objects leaves a trace — the perpetrator both takes and leaves material

Answer

Locard's Exchange Principle holds that any physical contact between surfaces results in a transfer of trace materials in both directions, forming the scientific basis for trace evidence.

Question 4

When an Act 235 agent's evidence collection notes conflict with another officer's notes about the same item, what is the proper resolution?

Accepted Answer

Both sets of notes are preserved; discrepancies are disclosed and explained in reports

Answer

Both sets of notes must be preserved and any discrepancies must be disclosed in reports, as suppressing conflicting documentation can constitute misconduct.

Question 5

Which type of evidence is MOST susceptible to degradation from improper storage temperature?

Accepted Answer

Biological and DNA evidence

Answer

Biological and DNA evidence degrades rapidly at improper temperatures; refrigeration or freezing is required to preserve cellular material for analysis.

ACT Practice Test

ACT Practice Test

ACT 235 Evidence Collection 4