Evidence Collection Flashcards
7 cards from real ACT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Evidence Collection flashcards as text
When an Act 235 agent photographs a crime scene, in what order should photographs generally be taken?
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.
An Act 235 agent collects a spent cartridge casing at a shooting scene. Where should the agent mark the casing for identification?
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.
What is the purpose of using a scale or ruler in crime scene photographs?
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.
A witness voluntarily hands an Act 235 agent a piece of potential evidence. What is the correct procedure?
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.
When is it appropriate for an Act 235 lethal weapons agent to collect digital evidence such as a cell phone?
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.
Which action would CONTAMINATE a crime scene and compromise evidence integrity?
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.
When documenting evidence locations at a scene, which method provides the most accurate fixed reference for court purposes?
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.