MCOLES Crime Scene Investigation 4

Question 1

A witness contaminates a crime scene by moving a weapon before officers arrive. What should the first officer on scene do?

Accepted Answer

Document the witness's account of the original position and note the change in reports

Answer

Officers must document the original reported location through the witness's account and note the alteration in official reports to preserve investigative accuracy.

Question 2

What is the significance of rigor mortis in a crime scene investigation involving a death?

Accepted Answer

It helps estimate the postmortem interval or time since death

Answer

Rigor mortis follows a predictable onset and resolution timeline that investigators and medical examiners use to estimate time of death.

Question 3

During a sexual assault investigation, which agency typically takes primary custody of the sexual assault evidence kit?

Accepted Answer

The crime laboratory

Answer

Sexual assault evidence kits are submitted to the crime laboratory to maintain a controlled chain of custody and ensure proper analysis.

Question 4

What is 'luminol' used for in crime scene investigations?

Accepted Answer

Detecting traces of blood that have been cleaned or diluted

Answer

Luminol reacts with the iron in hemoglobin to produce chemiluminescence, revealing bloodstains even after cleaning attempts.

Question 5

An investigator finds shoe prints in mud near a burglary scene. What is the proper collection method?

Accepted Answer

Photograph and then cast the print with dental stone or plaster

Answer

Three-dimensional impressions in soft media like mud must be photographed and then cast with dental stone or casting plaster to capture depth and detail.

MCOLES - Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards Practice Test

MCOLES - Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards Practice Test

MCOLES Crime Scene Investigation 4