CPD Investigation & Evidence 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following BEST describes 'circumstantial evidence'?
- Evidence that requires an inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact (Correct answer)
- A witness's direct account of observing the crime
- A confession obtained during interrogation
- Physical items collected at the crime scene
Correct answer: Evidence that requires an inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact
Circumstantial evidence requires the fact-finder to draw an inference linking the evidence to the conclusion.
Question 2: A CPD detective is interviewing a juvenile suspect without a parent present. Under Illinois law, this situation:
- May render the statement inadmissible if the juvenile did not knowingly waive rights (Correct answer)
- Is fully permissible as long as Miranda is read
- Requires only the presence of a school counselor
- Is acceptable if the juvenile is over 13
Correct answer: May render the statement inadmissible if the juvenile did not knowingly waive rights
Illinois law provides extra protections for juvenile suspects, and statements obtained without appropriate safeguards may be suppressed.
Question 3: An investigator finds latent fingerprints at a burglary scene. 'Latent' fingerprints are:
- Invisible prints made from skin oils that require development to be seen (Correct answer)
- Prints left in wet substances like blood or paint
- Three-dimensional impressions left in soft material
- Prints already photographed by a previous officer
Correct answer: Invisible prints made from skin oils that require development to be seen
Latent fingerprints are invisible residue deposits that must be developed using powder, chemicals, or other techniques.
Question 4: What legal standard must be met for a police officer to conduct a Terry stop (stop and frisk)?
- Reasonable articulable suspicion that criminal activity is afoot (Correct answer)
- Probable cause to believe a crime was committed
- A valid arrest warrant for the individual
- Consent from the person being stopped
Correct answer: Reasonable articulable suspicion that criminal activity is afoot
Terry v. Ohio established that reasonable articulable suspicion — less than probable cause — justifies a brief investigatory stop.
Question 5: Which document formally authorizes law enforcement to search a specific location for specific items?
- Search warrant (Correct answer)
- Arrest warrant
- Subpoena
- Grand jury indictment
Correct answer: Search warrant
A search warrant is issued by a judge based on probable cause and specifies the place to be searched and items to be seized.
Question 6: DNA evidence collected at a crime scene is most useful for:
- Identifying or excluding individuals as contributors of biological material (Correct answer)
- Determining the time of death
- Establishing a suspect's motive
- Proving premeditation in homicide cases
Correct answer: Identifying or excluding individuals as contributors of biological material
DNA analysis compares genetic profiles to include or exclude individuals as the source of biological evidence.
Question 7: When is an officer required to read Miranda warnings?
- Before conducting a custodial interrogation (Correct answer)
- Any time a suspect is questioned in the field
- Only during formal booking at the police station
- Whenever a felony arrest is made
Correct answer: Before conducting a custodial interrogation
Miranda is required only when two conditions are met: custody and interrogation.
CPD Investigation & Evidence 3
Which of the following BEST describes 'circumstantial evidence'?