MCOLES Crime Scene Investigation 3

Question 1

When establishing a crime scene perimeter, what is the general rule regarding the initial boundary?

Accepted Answer

Set it larger than needed and reduce it as investigation proceeds

Answer

Initial perimeters should be set larger than believed necessary because it is easier to reduce than to expand after contamination has occurred.

Question 2

A detective suspects a crime scene has been staged. Which finding would most support this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Bloodstain patterns inconsistent with the described events

Answer

Bloodstain patterns that contradict the stated sequence of events are a strong indicator that a scene has been arranged after the fact.

Question 3

What is the purpose of taking 'overall' photographs at the start of a crime scene documentation?

Accepted Answer

To establish the general layout and orientation of the entire scene

Answer

Overall photographs capture the scene's context, spatial relationships, and orientation before any disturbance occurs.

Question 4

An officer is processing a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run. Where should the officer look for transferred paint evidence from the victim's vehicle?

Accepted Answer

On the bumper, fenders, and any point of impact contact

Answer

Paint transfer in hit-and-run incidents typically occurs at the point of impact, which may include bumpers, fenders, grilles, and side panels.

Question 5

Which technique is used to visualize latent fingerprints on porous surfaces like paper?

Accepted Answer

Ninhydrin reagent

Answer

Ninhydrin reacts with amino acids in sweat residue on porous surfaces, producing a purple-colored compound that reveals latent prints.

MCOLES - Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards Practice Test