CSI Legal and Ethical Responsibilities 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A CSI discovers that the lead detective has asked them to alter a measurement in the crime scene report to match witness testimony. What is the appropriate response?
- Alter the report as requested since the detective outranks the CSI
- Refuse and report the request to a supervisor or internal affairs (Correct answer)
- Alter only minor details while keeping major findings accurate
- Discuss privately with the detective and reach a compromise
Correct answer: Refuse and report the request to a supervisor or internal affairs
Altering official records at another's request constitutes evidence tampering and obstruction of justice, regardless of rank.
Question 2: Under the Fourth Amendment, which action by a CSI would most likely render physical evidence inadmissible in court?
- Collecting evidence in plain view outside the search warrant area (Correct answer)
- Documenting evidence before collection
- Wearing gloves during evidence collection
- Using approved chain of custody forms
Correct answer: Collecting evidence in plain view outside the search warrant area
Evidence collected outside the scope of a valid search warrant violates the Fourth Amendment and may be suppressed under the exclusionary rule.
Question 3: A CSI is subpoenaed to testify about findings in a case where they believe the prosecution's interpretation of the evidence is incorrect. What should the CSI do?
- Testify in support of the prosecution to ensure a conviction
- Decline to testify by asserting the Fifth Amendment
- Testify truthfully and accurately about the physical evidence findings (Correct answer)
- Consult only with the defense attorney before testifying
Correct answer: Testify truthfully and accurately about the physical evidence findings
CSIs have an ethical and legal duty to testify truthfully about the physical evidence, regardless of which party's theory it supports.
Question 4: What legal concept requires that the chain of custody be maintained for physical evidence?
- Habeas corpus
- Res ipsa loquitur
- Authentication and integrity (Correct answer)
- Double jeopardy
Correct answer: Authentication and integrity
Authentication and integrity principles require documented chain of custody to prove evidence has not been altered or contaminated since collection.
Question 5: A crime scene investigator overhears colleagues making derogatory jokes about the victim. What is the most appropriate ethical action?
- Ignore it to maintain team harmony
- Join in to avoid being ostracized
- Address the behavior directly or report it to a supervisor (Correct answer)
- Document it in the case file
Correct answer: Address the behavior directly or report it to a supervisor
Victim dignity is a core professional ethics principle, and derogatory behavior should be addressed directly or escalated to supervisors.
Question 6: Which doctrine allows evidence found during a lawful search, even if not listed in the warrant, to be admitted in court?
- Plain view doctrine (Correct answer)
- Fruit of the poisonous tree
- Good faith exception
- Inevitable discovery doctrine
Correct answer: Plain view doctrine
The plain view doctrine permits officers to seize evidence that is immediately apparent as contraband or evidence of a crime while in a lawful position.
Question 7: A CSI is approached by a journalist who wants details about an active investigation. What should the CSI do?
- Share general details to maintain public trust
- Refer the journalist to the department's public information officer (Correct answer)
- Deny any investigation is occurring
- Provide only information already reported by other outlets
Correct answer: Refer the journalist to the department's public information officer
All media inquiries must be directed to authorized spokespersons to protect the investigation's integrity and avoid prejudicing legal proceedings.
CSI Legal and Ethical Responsibilities 2
A CSI discovers that the lead detective has asked them to alter a measurement in the crime scene report to match witness testimony.
What is the appropriate response?