CSI Legal and Ethical Responsibilities 2

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?

Accepted Answer

Refuse and report the request to a supervisor or internal affairs

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Collecting evidence in plain view outside the search warrant area

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Testify truthfully and accurately about the physical evidence findings

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Authentication and integrity

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Address the behavior directly or report it to a supervisor

Answer

Victim dignity is a core professional ethics principle, and derogatory behavior should be addressed directly or escalated to supervisors.

(CSI) Crime Scene Investigator Practice Test

(CSI) Crime Scene Investigator Practice Test

CSI Legal and Ethical Responsibilities 2