ETC Item Collection 5

Question 1

During the collection of drug evidence, why should each pill, capsule, or powdered substance be packaged separately?

Accepted Answer

To prevent cross-contamination between different substances

Answer

Packaging drug items separately prevents mixing of substances, which could affect identification, weight calculations, and charge levels.

Question 2

A latent fingerprint is developed on a porous surface such as cardboard. Which collection method is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Collect the entire substrate item as evidence

Answer

Porous surfaces do not allow effective tape lifting; the entire substrate should be collected so the print can be further processed by laboratory examiners.

Question 3

When collecting evidence in an outdoor scene after rainfall, what modification to standard procedure is most important?

Accepted Answer

Prioritize rapidly collecting and drying biological evidence to limit further degradation

Answer

Rain accelerates degradation of biological evidence, so rapid collection followed by proper drying is essential before DNA is destroyed.

Question 4

Which factor determines whether evidence should be collected using a swab versus scraping?

Accepted Answer

Wet or moist stains are swabbed; dry stains on hard surfaces are scraped

Answer

Wet or moist biological material is effectively collected with a swab, while dry, encrusted material on hard non-porous surfaces is typically scraped into a collection container.

Question 5

An evidence technician is about to collect a piece of digital evidence (a mobile phone). What is the first priority action?

Accepted Answer

Isolate the device from wireless networks using a Faraday bag or airplane mode

Answer

Isolating the device from wireless networks prevents remote wiping, prevents incoming data from altering the device state, and preserves the evidence.

(ETC) Evidence Technician Certification Practice Test

(ETC) Evidence Technician Certification Practice Test

ETC Item Collection 5