Evidence Collection & Chain of Custody Flashcards

When collecting charred wood samples suspected to contain accelerants, which layer should be prioritized for collection?

Answer: The interface between burned and unburned material

The interface between burned and unburned material is most likely to retain trapped accelerant residues protected from complete combustion.

A fire investigator collects evidence from multiple locations within a scene. How should containers be labeled to maintain proper documentation?

Answer: Each container must include case number, location description, date, time, and collector's initials

Every evidence container must be labeled at the time of collection with identifying information linking it to a specific location and collector.

Which technique is used to document the exact location of evidence within a fire scene before collection?

Answer: Triangulation measurements from fixed reference points

Triangulation from fixed reference points provides precise, reproducible location data that can be verified independently and used in court.

What is the significance of 'spoliation' in fire investigation evidence management?

Answer: The intentional or negligent destruction of evidence that may be needed in litigation

Spoliation refers to the destruction or material alteration of evidence, which can lead to legal sanctions and adverse inferences against the responsible party.

When multiple agencies (fire department, police, ATF) are all collecting evidence at the same fire scene, which practice best protects the chain of custody?

Answer: A unified command evidence coordinator tracks all items with a single log

A unified evidence coordinator with a single master log prevents duplicate numbering, gaps, and confusion over custody when multiple agencies share a scene.

A witness hands a fire investigator a cigarette lighter they found near the origin before the investigator arrives. What is the most critical first action?

Answer: Document who had possession of the item and how it was handled before transfer

When evidence has pre-investigation handling, the investigator must document the prior custody to account for any gaps before formal collection begins.

For biological evidence found at a fire scene (e.g., blood, tissue), what storage condition is essential?

Answer: Refrigeration or freezing after packaging in breathable paper or cotton swabs

Biological evidence must be stored cold in breathable packaging to prevent bacterial degradation and DNA deterioration.