JIBC Investigation and Evidence Collection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When photographing a crime scene, what is the correct sequence of photography?
- Close-up, mid-range, overview
- Overview, mid-range, close-up (Correct answer)
- Mid-range, close-up, overview
- Overview, close-up, mid-range
Correct answer: Overview, mid-range, close-up
The correct sequence is overview shots first to establish context, then mid-range to show relationships, then close-up shots for detail.
Question 2: Which type of evidence is considered 'circumstantial' in an investigation?
- A signed confession from the suspect
- Fingerprints found directly on the murder weapon
- Witness testimony placing the suspect near the scene (Correct answer)
- A video recording of the crime being committed
Correct answer: Witness testimony placing the suspect near the scene
Circumstantial evidence requires inference to connect it to a conclusion, such as placing a suspect near a scene rather than directly proving their involvement.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of using an evidence log during an investigation?
- To speed up the collection process
- To maintain a documented chain of custody (Correct answer)
- To identify the suspect more quickly
- To satisfy media inquiries about the case
Correct answer: To maintain a documented chain of custody
An evidence log maintains a documented chain of custody, tracking who handled evidence, when, and why to ensure its integrity.
Question 4: During a witness interview, an investigator should primarily use which type of questions?
- Leading questions that suggest the answer
- Closed questions requiring yes or no answers
- Open-ended questions encouraging narrative responses (Correct answer)
- Hypothetical questions about possible scenarios
Correct answer: Open-ended questions encouraging narrative responses
Open-ended questions allow witnesses to provide their own narrative without being led, producing more reliable and complete information.
Question 5: What does 'exculpatory evidence' mean in the context of a criminal investigation?
- Evidence that proves the suspect committed the crime
- Evidence that tends to clear or excuse the suspect (Correct answer)
- Evidence collected after the suspect is charged
- Evidence obtained through illegal search and seizure
Correct answer: Evidence that tends to clear or excuse the suspect
Exculpatory evidence tends to clear or excuse a suspect from guilt or blame, and investigators are legally obligated to disclose it.
Question 6: When collecting DNA evidence from a crime scene, why must investigators avoid touching samples with bare hands?
- To prevent destroying the sample's physical shape
- To avoid contaminating the sample with their own DNA (Correct answer)
- To maintain the temperature of the biological material
- To comply with hazardous materials regulations
Correct answer: To avoid contaminating the sample with their own DNA
Bare hands contain the investigator's own DNA, which would contaminate the sample and potentially compromise the evidentiary value.
Question 7: In Canadian law, what is required for a police officer to conduct a lawful search of a private residence?
- Reasonable suspicion only
- A valid search warrant or exigent circumstances (Correct answer)
- Verbal permission from any occupant
- Supervisor approval and two officers present
Correct answer: A valid search warrant or exigent circumstances
Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, a lawful search of a private residence generally requires a valid warrant or recognized exigent circumstances.
JIBC Investigation and Evidence Collection 2
When photographing a crime scene, what is the correct sequence of photography?