ETC Documentation & Chain of Custody 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of photographing evidence before collection?
- To create a public record for news media
- To document the original position and condition of evidence in context (Correct answer)
- To replace written documentation entirely
- To satisfy insurance requirements
Correct answer: To document the original position and condition of evidence in context
Photographing evidence before collection captures its original position and condition within the scene context, which written notes alone cannot fully convey.
Question 2: An evidence technician receives biological evidence that was improperly stored at room temperature for 48 hours. What should the technician document?
- Nothing, because the evidence is still usable
- The storage deviation, when it was discovered, and who was notified (Correct answer)
- Only the fact that it was received
- The expected test results based on similar cases
Correct answer: The storage deviation, when it was discovered, and who was notified
Any deviation from proper storage conditions must be thoroughly documented, including when it was discovered and who was notified, as it may affect the evidence's integrity and admissibility.
Question 3: Which documentation method provides the most accurate spatial representation of a crime scene for court presentation?
- Written narrative only
- Sketched diagram with measurements (Correct answer)
- Verbal testimony alone
- Photographs without scale markers
Correct answer: Sketched diagram with measurements
A sketched diagram with measurements provides a precise, to-scale representation of the crime scene that can be clearly understood in court.
Question 4: What is the correct procedure when an evidence technician makes an error on a written evidence log?
- Use correction fluid to cover the error
- Draw a single line through the error, initial it, and write the correct information (Correct answer)
- Tear out the page and start over
- Leave the error and add a separate note at the bottom
Correct answer: Draw a single line through the error, initial it, and write the correct information
Errors on evidence logs must be corrected by drawing a single line through the mistake, initialing it, and writing the correct information to maintain a clear, unaltered audit trail.
Question 5: When should an evidence technician complete the chain of custody documentation?
- At the end of the shift
- Before the evidence is submitted to the prosecutor
- At the time each transfer or action occurs (Correct answer)
- Within 72 hours of the incident
Correct answer: At the time each transfer or action occurs
Chain of custody documentation must be completed at the time each transfer or action occurs to ensure accuracy and prevent gaps in the evidentiary record.
Question 6: A defense attorney challenges the chain of custody for a DNA sample. What is the most important factor in sustaining its admissibility?
- The reputation of the lab that tested it
- Complete, unbroken documentation of every person who handled the sample (Correct answer)
- The cost of the DNA analysis
- Whether the suspect confessed to the crime
Correct answer: Complete, unbroken documentation of every person who handled the sample
Admissibility hinges on complete, unbroken documentation showing every individual who handled the DNA sample and under what circumstances.
Question 7: What information should be recorded when evidence is returned from the crime lab to the evidence room?
- Only the lab technician's name
- Date, time, lab technician name, condition upon return, and receiving technician's signature (Correct answer)
- The test results only
- The name of the detective assigned to the case
Correct answer: Date, time, lab technician name, condition upon return, and receiving technician's signature
Upon return from the lab, the date, time, lab technician's name, the condition of the evidence, and the receiving technician's signature must all be recorded to maintain an unbroken chain.
ETC Documentation & Chain of Custody 3
What is the primary purpose of photographing evidence before collection?