DCJS Criminal Investigation Procedures

Question 1

When processing a crime scene, what is the primary purpose of establishing a perimeter?

Accepted Answer

To preserve evidence integrity and prevent contamination

Answer

A crime scene perimeter is established to protect evidence from contamination, unauthorized access, and disturbance.

Question 2

A witness recants their statement after initially identifying a suspect. What should the investigator do first?

Accepted Answer

Document the recantation and investigate the reason for the change

Answer

Investigators must document recantations and probe the reasons, as witnesses may recant due to fear, coercion, or new information.

Question 3

Under Virginia law, which standard must be met before an officer can conduct a Terry stop?

Accepted Answer

Reasonable articulable suspicion

Answer

A Terry stop requires reasonable articulable suspicion of criminal activity, a lower standard than probable cause.

Question 4

What is 'chain of custody' in the context of criminal investigation?

Accepted Answer

A chronological documentation of evidence handling from collection to court

Answer

Chain of custody is the documented record of every person who handled evidence and every location it was stored, ensuring admissibility.

Question 5

When interviewing a juvenile suspect in Virginia, what additional requirement typically applies?

Accepted Answer

A parent, guardian, or attorney must generally be notified or present

Answer

Virginia law provides heightened protections for juvenile suspects, generally requiring notification of a parent, guardian, or legal counsel.

(DCJS) VA DCJS Law Enforcement Certification Practice Test