CSI - Crime Scene Investigator Evidence Collection and Preservation Questions and Answers

Question 1

A wet bloodstained garment is collected at a crime scene. Which of the following represents the proper procedure for packaging this evidence to prevent degradation?

Accepted Answer

Allow the garment to air-dry completely in a secure, well-ventilated area before packaging it in a paper bag.

Answer

Seal the wet garment in a plastic bag to retain moisture.

Answer

Use a hair dryer on a high heat setting to speed up the drying process before packaging.

Answer

Fold the wet garment neatly and place it directly into a cardboard box, sealing it immediately.

Question 2

Which of the following BEST describes the primary purpose of the chain of custody?

Accepted Answer

To document the chronological history of the handling, transfer, and storage of evidence to ensure its integrity.

Answer

To provide a detailed description of the evidence for the final crime scene report.

Answer

To assign a unique identification number to each piece of evidence collected at the scene.

Answer

To record the initial observations of the first responding officer upon arrival at the crime scene.

Question 3

At a homicide scene, an investigator discovers a smartphone lying next to the victim. The phone is powered on. What is the most appropriate immediate action for the investigator to take regarding the phone?

Accepted Answer

Leave the device powered on, connect it to a charger if possible, and place it in a Faraday bag to block network signals.

Answer

Immediately power the device off to preserve battery life and prevent remote wiping.

Answer

Attempt to unlock the device to search for immediate clues about the perpetrator.

Answer

Photograph the device and then remove the battery to secure the data.

Question 4

Which of the following is the most appropriate packaging for arson evidence, such as a piece of charred carpet suspected of containing an accelerant?

Accepted Answer

A clean, unused metal can with an airtight lid.

Answer

A porous paper bag.

Answer

A sealed plastic evidence bag.

Answer

A standard cardboard box.

Question 5

An investigator is collecting a firearm at a crime scene. Which of the following actions should be AVOIDED to preserve potential trace evidence and for safety?

Accepted Answer

Placing a pencil or other object into the barrel to pick it up.

Answer

Photographing the firearm in its original position before moving it.

Answer

Unloading the firearm and making it safe before packaging.

Answer

Packaging the firearm in a sturdy cardboard box and securing it with zip ties.

Question 6

When documenting a crime scene, what is the primary reason for taking overall, mid-range, and close-up photographs of evidence?

Accepted Answer

To show the evidence in its original location, its relationship to the overall scene, and its specific details.

Answer

To fulfill a departmental quota for the number of photos taken at a scene.

Answer

To provide artistic and visually appealing images for the case file.

Answer

To test the functionality of the camera's different zoom lenses.