FBI Evidence Collection & Preservation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct order of activities when processing a shooting scene for physical evidence?
- Collect, photograph, document, secure
- Secure, document, photograph, collect (Correct answer)
- Photograph, secure, collect, document
- Document, secure, photograph, collect
Correct answer: Secure, document, photograph, collect
Scenes must be secured first, then thoroughly documented and photographed before any physical collection begins to preserve the original scene state.
Question 2: A spent cartridge casing found at a crime scene should be marked for identification:
- On the primer with a permanent marker
- On the inside of the casing using a scribe
- On the exterior base with the agent's initials (Correct answer)
- On the exterior body with an adhesive label
Correct answer: On the exterior base with the agent's initials
Markings should be placed on the exterior base of the casing in a location that will not interfere with forensic examination of the primer or interior.
Question 3: When photographing bullet holes in glass, what specialized technique helps reveal the directionality of the shot?
- Oblique lighting to highlight radial and concentric fractures (Correct answer)
- Ultraviolet illumination to detect powder residue
- Infrared photography to reveal heat signatures
- Macro photography from directly in front of the hole only
Correct answer: Oblique lighting to highlight radial and concentric fractures
Oblique lighting reveals radial and concentric fracture patterns in glass; the cone shape and fracture stress marks indicate the direction of projectile travel.
Question 4: Which of the following items would NOT typically be used to establish a shooting scene perimeter?
- Yellow crime scene tape
- Temporary fencing or barriers
- Evidence placards numbered with the case number (Correct answer)
- Law enforcement vehicles positioned strategically
Correct answer: Evidence placards numbered with the case number
Evidence placards are used to mark item locations within the perimeter, not to establish or define the perimeter itself.
Question 5: When swabbing a bullet wound on a deceased victim for gunshot residue, what area is most critical to sample?
- The skin surrounding the exit wound only
- The hands and wrists of the victim
- The skin immediately surrounding the entry wound (Correct answer)
- The wound track through adjacent clothing only
Correct answer: The skin immediately surrounding the entry wound
The skin immediately surrounding the entry wound contains the highest concentration of GSR deposited during the discharge.
Question 6: What is 'stippling' and what is its evidentiary value at a shooting scene?
- A bloodstain pattern indicating direction of travel; used to locate the victim's position
- Gunpowder tattooing on skin; indicates the muzzle was within approximately 18–24 inches (Correct answer)
- A fingerprint pattern on a firearm grip; identifies the shooter
- A mark left by ejected brass on the shooter's hand; identifies weapon type
Correct answer: Gunpowder tattooing on skin; indicates the muzzle was within approximately 18–24 inches
Stippling (powder tattooing) is unburned powder granules embedded in skin, indicating the muzzle was within approximately 18–24 inches of the target.
Question 7: Which federal regulation governs the handling and transfer of DNA evidence between federal agencies and laboratories?
- CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) procedural guidelines (Correct answer)
- The Brady Act evidence provisions
- DOJ Order 2610.2A on evidence management
- The Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards
Correct answer: CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) procedural guidelines
CODIS guidelines govern DNA evidence collection, handling, and inter-agency transfer standards to ensure sample integrity and database compatibility.
FBI Evidence Collection & Preservation 3
What is the correct order of activities when processing a shooting scene for physical evidence?