FREE Sheriff Evidence Collection and Preservation Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of maintaining a 'chain of custody' for a piece of evidence?

Accepted Answer

To document the evidence's history and ensure its integrity for court.

Answer

To determine who is responsible for analyzing the evidence.

Answer

To track the cost of evidence processing.

Answer

To inform the media about evidence found at a scene.

Question 2

How should a deputy properly collect and package a piece of clothing that is wet with blood?

Accepted Answer

Allow it to air-dry completely before packaging it in a paper bag.

Answer

Seal it immediately in a plastic bag to keep it moist.

Answer

Place it in a freezer until it can be transported to the lab.

Answer

Spray it with a chemical preservative and seal it in a metal can.

Question 3

The first responding officer to a crime scene has a primary responsibility to:

Accepted Answer

Establish a perimeter and control access to the scene.

Answer

Begin collecting all visible evidence immediately.

Answer

Conduct interviews with all potential witnesses.

Answer

Notify the press and provide a preliminary statement.

Question 4

When recovering a firearm as evidence at a crime scene, how should it be handled?

Accepted Answer

By the textured surfaces of the grip or trigger guard.

Answer

By sticking a pencil or pen down the barrel.

Answer

With a gloved hand on the smooth, flat surfaces.

Answer

By wrapping it in a towel and picking it up.

Question 5

Latent fingerprints on a non-porous surface, such as a glass bottle, are most commonly developed and lifted using:

Accepted Answer

Fingerprint powder and tape

Answer

Iodine fuming

Answer

Ninhydrin spray

Answer

Laser illumination

Question 6

When seizing a smartphone as evidence, what is a critical first step to prevent data from being remotely wiped or altered?

Accepted Answer

Isolating it from communication networks (e.g., using a Faraday bag).

Answer

Immediately trying to guess the passcode.

Answer

Plugging it into a charger to ensure it doesn't die.

Answer

Taking a picture of the home screen.