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
Under Act 235, if an agent must collect evidence in an area with potential bloodborne pathogen exposure, what protective equipment is mandatory?
Answer: Gloves at minimum; face shield and protective gown if splash risk exists
OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards require gloves at minimum and additional PPE such as face shield and gown when splash exposure is possible.
A lethal weapons agent collects a knife with suspected blood on the blade. Which packaging method is most appropriate?
Answer: Wrap the blade in paper, place in a rigid container such as a cardboard box, and label
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.
What does 'Locard's Exchange Principle' mean in the context of crime scene evidence?
Answer: Every contact between two objects leaves a trace — the perpetrator both takes and leaves material
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.
When an Act 235 agent's evidence collection notes conflict with another officer's notes about the same item, what is the proper resolution?
Answer: Both sets of notes are preserved; discrepancies are disclosed and explained in reports
Both sets of notes must be preserved and any discrepancies must be disclosed in reports, as suppressing conflicting documentation can constitute misconduct.
Which type of evidence is MOST susceptible to degradation from improper storage temperature?
Answer: Biological and DNA evidence
Biological and DNA evidence degrades rapidly at improper temperatures; refrigeration or freezing is required to preserve cellular material for analysis.
An Act 235 agent is first on scene of a shooting and discovers the victim is still alive. Which action correctly balances life safety with evidence preservation?
Answer: Render aid to the victim immediately and mentally note any evidence disturbed
Life safety always takes precedence; the agent must render aid and then document any evidence disturbance caused by life-saving actions.
When submitting collected evidence to a property room or evidence locker, what must an Act 235 agent do if the seal on the evidence packaging appears broken?
Answer: Document the seal condition, re-seal with a new seal, and note both in the chain of custody
A broken seal must be documented in the chain of custody record; the agent then re-seals the package and notes both the original condition and the re-sealing event.