Criminal Investigation Procedures Flashcards
6 cards from real FDLE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Criminal Investigation Procedures flashcards as text
A detective discovers a potential witness who claims they saw nothing. Which approach is most appropriate?
Answer: Conduct a thorough non-confrontational interview noting inconsistencies for follow-up
A thorough, non-confrontational interview noting inconsistencies is the appropriate approach, as reluctant witnesses may have information they are unwilling to share initially.
What type of evidence is a fingerprint found at a crime scene classified as?
Answer: Physical/real evidence
A fingerprint found at a crime scene is physical (real) evidence — tangible material collected from the crime scene that speaks for itself as direct evidence.
What is 'corpus delicti' and why is it significant in criminal investigations?
Answer: The body of the crime — the proof that a crime was actually committed
Corpus delicti means 'body of the crime' — the principle requiring proof that a crime actually occurred before a confession or admission can sustain a conviction.
Which of the following best describes a 'modus operandi' (MO) in criminal investigation?
Answer: The characteristic method or pattern a criminal uses to commit crimes
Modus operandi (MO) refers to the characteristic pattern or method of operation that a criminal habitually uses, which can link multiple offenses to the same perpetrator.
What is the primary purpose of crime scene photography in a criminal investigation?
Answer: To create a permanent, accurate visual record of the scene before any evidence is moved or altered
Crime scene photography creates a permanent visual record of the scene in its original, undisturbed condition — before any evidence is moved — providing context and detail that cannot be captured otherwise.
When must a Florida law enforcement officer submit a supplemental report in an investigation?
Answer: Whenever new, significant information is developed during the ongoing investigation
Supplemental reports must be submitted whenever significant new information, leads, or developments occur during an investigation — to maintain a complete, current case record.