DCJS Crime Scene Management & Evidence Handling Questions and Answers Flashcards

What is the FIRST priority upon arriving at any crime scene?

Answer: Ensuring the safety of the officer and any persons present

Officer and bystander safety always takes precedence before any investigative actions are taken at a crime scene.

The first responding officer at a crime scene is primarily responsible for:

Answer: Securing and protecting the scene from contamination

The first responder's core duty is to secure the scene so evidence integrity is preserved for investigators.

A crime scene perimeter should be established:

Answer: As large as reasonably necessary to protect all potential evidence

A larger perimeter reduces the chance of inadvertently excluding key evidence areas and can always be tightened later.

Which action by a first responder CONTAMINATES a crime scene?

Answer: Walking through the scene without gloves or protective footwear

Walking through a scene without protective equipment can transfer trace evidence and compromise the scene's integrity.

When securing a crime scene, officers must document:

Answer: Arrival time, initial observations, and the identity of all persons who entered the scene

Documenting arrival time, observations, and scene access log creates a foundation for the chain of custody and prosecution.

Once a crime scene perimeter is established, access should be controlled by:

Answer: The officer or personnel specifically designated as scene security

A designated scene security officer logs every entry and exit to maintain accountability and protect the chain of custody.