BMO Evidence Collection & Preservation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When documenting a crime scene, what is the correct order of documentation steps?
- Photograph, sketch, written notes, video (Correct answer)
- Written notes, photograph, video, sketch
- Video, photograph, sketch, written notes
- Sketch, written notes, photograph, video
Correct answer: Photograph, sketch, written notes, video
The standard sequence is photograph first, then sketch, written notes, and video to ensure the scene is captured before any potential disturbance.
Question 2: Which type of packaging is MOST appropriate for wet biological evidence to prevent mold and degradation?
- Sealed plastic bag
- Paper bag with ventilation (Correct answer)
- Airtight metal container
- Vacuum-sealed pouch
Correct answer: Paper bag with ventilation
Wet biological evidence must be packaged in breathable paper bags to allow moisture to escape and prevent mold growth that could destroy DNA evidence.
Question 3: What does the term 'locard's exchange principle' mean in the context of evidence collection?
- Evidence must be photographed before collection
- Every contact leaves a trace between two objects (Correct answer)
- Chain of custody must be documented at all times
- Evidence should be collected by gloved hands only
Correct answer: Every contact leaves a trace between two objects
Locard's Exchange Principle states that whenever two objects come into contact, there is a mutual transfer of trace materials between them.
Question 4: A business officer discovers financial documents relevant to an internal fraud investigation. What is the FIRST action to take?
- Immediately read all documents to assess relevance
- Secure the documents and restrict access to the area (Correct answer)
- Shred duplicates to minimize storage needs
- Email copies to all department heads for review
Correct answer: Secure the documents and restrict access to the area
The first priority is securing potential evidence and restricting access to preserve integrity before any review or further action.
Question 5: Which of the following is considered 'testimonial evidence'?
- A bloodstained garment found at a scene
- A witness statement describing observed events (Correct answer)
- Surveillance footage of a suspect
- Financial records showing unauthorized transactions
Correct answer: A witness statement describing observed events
Testimonial evidence is oral or written statements made by witnesses under oath describing what they observed or know.
Question 6: When collecting digital evidence from a suspect's computer, investigators should FIRST:
- Power off the computer to stop data changes
- Create a forensic image of the drive before any other action (Correct answer)
- Open files to verify their relevance to the investigation
- Connect the device to the internet to check for cloud backups
Correct answer: Create a forensic image of the drive before any other action
Creating a forensic image (bit-for-bit copy) preserves the original state of digital evidence and allows analysis without altering the original.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of evidence seals on collected items?
- To label the type of evidence contained
- To detect tampering and ensure integrity of the container (Correct answer)
- To record the weight of the evidence
- To indicate the priority level of the item
Correct answer: To detect tampering and ensure integrity of the container
Evidence seals are designed to show any tampering attempts and provide assurance that the container has not been opened or altered since sealing.
BMO Evidence Collection & Preservation 2
When documenting a crime scene, what is the correct order of documentation steps?