CBP / BPA CBP Law Enforcement & Criminal Investigations 4

Question 1

What is the proper sequence for preserving the chain of custody for seized narcotics?

Accepted Answer

Document, label, secure, and record each transfer of the evidence

Answer

Chain of custody requires documenting, labeling, securing, and recording every transfer to ensure admissibility.

Question 2

An agent lawfully arrests a driver and sees a handgun in plain view on the passenger seat. Under which doctrine may it be seized without a warrant?

Accepted Answer

The plain view doctrine

Answer

Evidence in plain view, observed from a lawful vantage point with its incriminating nature apparent, may be seized.

Question 3

What is the consequence under the exclusionary rule when evidence is obtained through an unconstitutional search?

Accepted Answer

The evidence may be suppressed and excluded at trial

Answer

Evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment may be suppressed under the exclusionary rule.

Question 4

During an interview, a suspect clearly states 'I want a lawyer.' What must the officer do?

Accepted Answer

Stop questioning until counsel is present

Answer

Once a suspect unambiguously invokes the right to counsel, interrogation must cease until counsel is present.

Question 5

What distinguishes an informant's tip that can establish probable cause from one that cannot?

Accepted Answer

The tip's reliability and basis of knowledge under the totality of the circumstances

Answer

Under Illinois v. Gates, probable cause from a tip is judged by the totality of the circumstances, including reliability and basis of knowledge.

CBP / BPA Practice Test