DEA Physical Evidence & Chain of Custody 2

Question 1

When packaging wet or damp biological evidence such as blood-stained clothing, which container type should be used to prevent mold and degradation?

Accepted Answer

Paper bag or breathable container

Answer

Wet biological evidence must be packaged in paper or breathable containers to allow moisture to escape and prevent mold growth that would destroy DNA.

Question 2

A DEA agent discovers a clandestine methamphetamine lab. What is the correct order of operations before collecting chemical evidence?

Accepted Answer

Evacuate, secure the perimeter, obtain hazmat clearance, then document and collect

Answer

Clandestine labs present explosion and chemical exposure risks; personnel must evacuate, secure the perimeter, get hazmat clearance, then document before collecting evidence.

Question 3

Which DEA form is used to officially record the transfer of seized drug evidence between custodians?

Accepted Answer

DEA Form 7

Answer

DEA Form 7 (Report of Drug Property Collected, Purchased, or Seized) documents drug evidence and its chain of custody transfers.

Question 4

During a drug prosecution, the defense argues chain of custody was broken because one evidence transfer had no signature. What is the likely legal consequence?

Accepted Answer

The gap goes to weight rather than admissibility, but may affect credibility

Answer

Minor chain of custody gaps typically affect the weight the jury assigns to evidence rather than its admissibility, though prosecutors must explain the gap.

Question 5

A suspected cocaine sample must be field-tested. Which reagent turns blue-green in a positive cocaine presumptive test?

Accepted Answer

Scott reagent

Answer

The Scott reagent (cobalt thiocyanate) produces a characteristic blue-green color in the presence of cocaine.

(DEA) Certified Drug Enforcement Administration Specialist Practice Test

(DEA) Certified Drug Enforcement Administration Specialist Practice Test

DEA Physical Evidence & Chain of Custody 2