Item Collection Flashcards
7 cards from real ETC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Item Collection flashcards as text
Which packaging material is MOST appropriate for biological evidence such as bloodstained clothing?
Answer: Paper bags or paper packaging
Paper packaging allows moisture to escape, preventing mold and bacterial growth that would degrade biological evidence.
At a crime scene, a technician finds a partial latent fingerprint on a drinking glass. What is the correct collection sequence?
Answer: Photograph the print, then lift it or collect the entire object
The print must first be documented photographically before any physical collection attempt, preserving the original state of the evidence.
An evidence technician needs to collect a paint transfer from a hit-and-run vehicle. Which tool is most appropriate?
Answer: Clean scalpel or razor blade
A clean scalpel or razor blade allows precise scraping of the paint transfer in layers without introducing contamination from the tool.
When is it appropriate to collect elimination prints from individuals at a crime scene?
Answer: From anyone with legitimate access to the scene who may have left prints
Elimination prints are collected from anyone with lawful access to the scene to help identify and exclude non-suspect latent prints found during processing.
A technician collects multiple pieces of evidence from the same scene. What is the correct packaging practice?
Answer: Package each item separately with individual labeling
Each piece of evidence must be individually packaged and labeled to prevent cross-contamination and maintain distinct chain of custody.
What information is REQUIRED on an evidence label at the time of collection?
Answer: Date, time, location, collector's name, case number, and item description
A complete evidence label must include date, time, location, collector's name, case number, and item description to support chain of custody.
When collecting a questioned document, why should it be handled with cotton gloves rather than latex gloves?
Answer: Latex may leave chemical residue that interferes with ink analysis
Latex and nitrile gloves can leave chemical residues that interfere with ink analysis and other forensic examinations of documents.