Certified Transportation Security Administration Driver Evidence Collection & Preservation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When photographing a suspicious item at a transportation facility, what should the first photograph include?
- The item with a scale or ruler for size reference (Correct answer)
- A close-up of the item without any reference objects
- The item after it has been moved to a secure location
- Only the surrounding area, not the item itself
Correct answer: The item with a scale or ruler for size reference
The first photograph should include a scale or ruler so investigators can determine the actual size of the item.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes 'chain of custody' in evidence handling?
- The physical chain used to secure evidence bags
- A documented record tracking who handled evidence and when (Correct answer)
- The order in which evidence is collected at a scene
- A list of witnesses present when evidence was found
Correct answer: A documented record tracking who handled evidence and when
Chain of custody is a chronological documentation showing who collected, handled, transferred, and analyzed evidence.
Question 3: A TSA driver discovers fuel residue near a loading dock. What is the correct initial action?
- Clean it up immediately to prevent a fire hazard
- Isolate the area and notify a supervisor before touching anything (Correct answer)
- Collect a sample in any available container
- Report it at the end of the shift
Correct answer: Isolate the area and notify a supervisor before touching anything
The area must be isolated and a supervisor notified immediately to preserve the scene before any evidence is disturbed.
Question 4: Why should evidence containers be sealed immediately after collection?
- To make them easier to transport
- To prevent contamination and preserve integrity (Correct answer)
- To hide the contents from unauthorized personnel
- Because regulations require it for aesthetic purposes
Correct answer: To prevent contamination and preserve integrity
Immediate sealing prevents contamination, tampering, and degradation that could compromise the evidentiary value.
Question 5: When writing an incident report about evidence found during a transport run, the driver should:
- Use opinions and assumptions to fill in gaps
- Record only what was personally observed using factual, objective language (Correct answer)
- Wait until the next day to write the report so memory is clearer
- Ask a coworker to write it based on your verbal description
Correct answer: Record only what was personally observed using factual, objective language
Incident reports must be factual and objective, documenting only what was directly observed by the reporting individual.
Question 6: Which type of evidence is most easily destroyed by environmental conditions such as rain or wind?
- Digital evidence
- Trace evidence such as fibers, hair, or powder residue (Correct answer)
- Large physical objects
- Vehicular registration documents
Correct answer: Trace evidence such as fibers, hair, or powder residue
Trace evidence like fibers, hair, and powder is lightweight and microscopic, making it highly vulnerable to environmental disturbance.
Question 7: If a TSA driver notices a broken seal on a cargo container, the MOST appropriate response is to:
- Re-seal the container and continue the route
- Stop, document the condition, and immediately contact dispatch and security (Correct answer)
- Open the container to check if anything is missing
- Continue delivery and report at destination
Correct answer: Stop, document the condition, and immediately contact dispatch and security
A broken seal is a potential security breach requiring immediate documentation and notification of security personnel.
Certified Transportation Security Administration Driver Evidence Collection & Preservation 2
When photographing a suspicious item at a transportation facility, what should the first photograph include?