ETC Item Collection 4

Question 1

A crime scene contains a strong odor of accelerants. Before collecting accelerant samples, what safety precaution is most critical?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the area is ventilated and free of ignition sources

Answer

Accelerant vapors are flammable; the scene must be ventilated and all ignition sources removed before evidence collection begins.

Question 2

Which container is BEST for collecting and preserving soil containing suspected accelerants?

Accepted Answer

Airtight glass or metal paint can

Answer

Airtight metal or glass containers prevent volatile accelerant vapors from escaping, preserving them for laboratory analysis.

Question 3

When collecting fiber evidence found on a victim's body, the technician should change gloves between each collection point because:

Accepted Answer

Gloves may transfer fiber from one area to another

Answer

Changing gloves between collection points prevents cross-transfer of fibers between different areas of the body, which would compromise the integrity of each sample.

Question 4

A technician recovers a bullet from a wall. What is the correct method to avoid altering the bullet's surface?

Accepted Answer

Use rubber-tipped forceps and handle from the sides

Answer

Rubber-tipped forceps protect the bullet's rifling marks and surface characteristics, which are critical for firearm comparison analysis.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a valid method for collecting DNA evidence from a suspect's skin?

Accepted Answer

Rubbing a cotton swab over the back of the hand

Answer

A dry cotton swab rubbed over intact skin rarely collects enough epithelial cells for a reliable DNA profile, making it an unreliable collection method.

(ETC) Evidence Technician Certification Practice Test

(ETC) Evidence Technician Certification Practice Test

ETC Item Collection 4