Investigation & Evidence Flashcards

At a crime scene, an officer discovers a bloody knife near the victim. What is the FIRST step before collecting this evidence?

Answer: Photograph and document the knife in its original position

All physical evidence must be photographed and documented in situ before it is collected or disturbed.

Under the 'plain view' doctrine, an officer may seize evidence without a warrant only if:

Answer: The officer is lawfully present, the item is in plain view, and its incriminating nature is immediately apparent

Plain view requires lawful presence, open visibility, and immediately apparent incriminating character.

Which type of evidence refers to a witness's direct sensory observation of an event?

Answer: Direct evidence

Direct evidence is based on a witness's firsthand perception through sight, hearing, or another sense.

An officer conducting a custodial interrogation must advise a suspect of Miranda rights because:

Answer: The Fifth Amendment protects against compelled self-incrimination

Miranda warnings are constitutionally required before custodial interrogation to protect Fifth Amendment rights.

What is the primary purpose of maintaining a chain of custody for evidence?

Answer: To ensure evidence integrity and admissibility in court

Chain of custody documents every person who handled evidence, ensuring its integrity and making it admissible at trial.

A witness recants their initial statement before trial. The prior inconsistent statement may be used in court to:

Answer: Impeach the witness's credibility

Prior inconsistent statements are admissible to impeach a witness who has changed their story.

When executing a search warrant, officers are generally required to 'knock and announce' before entry. An exception allowing a 'no-knock' entry exists when:

Answer: Knocking would create a risk of evidence destruction or danger to officers

No-knock entries are justified when announcement would endanger officers or lead to immediate destruction of evidence.