ETC Item Collection 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which packaging material is MOST appropriate for biological evidence such as bloodstained clothing?
- Sealed airtight plastic bags
- Paper bags or paper packaging (Correct answer)
- Foil-lined evidence envelopes
- Vacuum-sealed mylar pouches
Correct answer: Paper bags or paper packaging
Paper packaging allows moisture to escape, preventing mold and bacterial growth that would degrade biological evidence.
Question 2: At a crime scene, a technician finds a partial latent fingerprint on a drinking glass. What is the correct collection sequence?
- Collect the glass immediately without further processing
- Photograph the print, then lift it or collect the entire object (Correct answer)
- Dust the print, lift it, and discard the glass
- Submit only a photograph of the print as evidence
Correct 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.
Question 3: An evidence technician needs to collect a paint transfer from a hit-and-run vehicle. Which tool is most appropriate?
- Rubber spatula
- Clean scalpel or razor blade (Correct answer)
- Wire brush
- Sandpaper
Correct 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.
Question 4: When is it appropriate to collect elimination prints from individuals at a crime scene?
- Only from suspects with prior criminal records
- From anyone with legitimate access to the scene who may have left prints (Correct answer)
- Only from the homeowner or property manager
- Never, as it violates privacy rights
Correct 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.
Question 5: A technician collects multiple pieces of evidence from the same scene. What is the correct packaging practice?
- Package all items together to maintain scene context
- Package each item separately with individual labeling (Correct answer)
- Package items by category (biological, trace, physical)
- Package items in order of their collection priority
Correct 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.
Question 6: What information is REQUIRED on an evidence label at the time of collection?
- Case number, item description, and laboratory analysis request
- Date, time, location, collector's name, case number, and item description (Correct answer)
- Collector's name, case number, and suspect information
- Date, collector's name, and chain of custody signatures only
Correct 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.
Question 7: When collecting a questioned document, why should it be handled with cotton gloves rather than latex gloves?
- Latex may leave chemical residue that interferes with ink analysis (Correct answer)
- Cotton gloves provide a better grip to prevent dropping
- Latex is not sterile enough for document evidence
- Cotton gloves prevent static electricity damage
Correct 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.
ETC Item Collection 3
Which packaging material is MOST appropriate for biological evidence such as bloodstained clothing?