Law Enforcement Criminal Investigation Fundamentals 2

Question 1

An investigator arrives first at a homicide scene. What is the immediate priority before evidence collection begins?

Accepted Answer

Ensure scene safety and render aid to any victims

Answer

Officer and victim safety, including rendering medical aid, always takes priority over evidence preservation.

Question 2

The 'chain of custody' for physical evidence is primarily intended to establish what?

Accepted Answer

Continuous, documented control proving the evidence was not altered

Answer

Chain of custody documents every person who handled evidence to prove its integrity and prevent tampering claims.

Question 3

What is the term for the principle that 'every contact leaves a trace'?

Accepted Answer

Locard's exchange principle

Answer

Locard's exchange principle holds that a perpetrator always brings something to and takes something from a crime scene.

Question 4

When documenting a crime scene with photographs, why are overall, mid-range, and close-up shots all taken?

Accepted Answer

To show context, relationships, and detail of evidence

Answer

The three-tier approach captures spatial context, item relationships, and fine evidentiary detail.

Question 5

A modus operandi (MO) differs from a signature in that the MO:

Accepted Answer

Is the method the offender uses to commit the crime and can evolve

Answer

An MO is the functional method of committing a crime and may change as an offender gains experience, while a signature reflects a psychological need.

Law Enforcement Practice Test