Evidence Handling & Chain of Custody Flashcards
7 cards from real MSCTC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Evidence Handling & Chain of Custody flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of maintaining chain of custody for evidence?
Answer: To preserve the integrity and admissibility of evidence in court
Chain of custody ensures evidence integrity and admissibility by creating an unbroken documentary record of every person who handled the evidence.
When should an officer begin documenting chain of custody?
Answer: At the moment the evidence is first collected or seized
Chain of custody documentation must begin at the exact moment evidence is first identified and collected to account for its condition and location from the start.
What type of evidence requires the most careful handling due to contamination risk?
Answer: Biological and DNA evidence
Biological and DNA evidence is highly susceptible to contamination, degradation, and cross-contamination, which can permanently destroy its evidentiary value.
What information must be recorded when transferring evidence between officers?
Answer: The names of both parties, date, time, and reason for the transfer
A complete chain of custody transfer requires identification of both the transferring and receiving officers, along with the date, time, and stated reason for the transfer.
What is the proper way to package wet biological evidence for long-term storage?
Answer: Allow it to air dry, then package in paper or breathable material
Wet biological evidence must be air-dried before packaging in paper because sealing it in plastic promotes mold and bacterial growth that destroys DNA.
Under Michigan law, who is responsible for ensuring evidence retention periods are met?
Answer: The evidence custodian under the direction of agency leadership
The agency's evidence custodian, under the supervision of department leadership, is responsible for tracking and ensuring compliance with all evidence retention requirements.
What action should an officer take if they discover that stored evidence has been compromised or tampered with?
Answer: Immediately notify the prosecutor and thoroughly document the compromise
Compromised evidence must be immediately reported to the prosecutor and documented in full detail to maintain legal transparency and uphold the defendant's due process rights.