MSCTC Evidence Handling & Chain of Custody

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of maintaining chain of custody for evidence?

Accepted Answer

To preserve the integrity and admissibility of evidence in court

Answer

To ensure evidence is stored in a climate-controlled environment

Answer

To reduce the workload of evidence technicians

Answer

To satisfy insurance requirements for seized property

Question 2

When should an officer begin documenting chain of custody?

Accepted Answer

At the moment the evidence is first collected or seized

Answer

When the evidence arrives at the crime lab

Answer

When the case is submitted to the prosecutor

Answer

When the evidence is booked into the property room

Question 3

What type of evidence requires the most careful handling due to contamination risk?

Accepted Answer

Biological and DNA evidence

Answer

Documentary evidence such as written records

Answer

Physical weapons like firearms

Answer

Digital devices such as cell phones

Question 4

What information must be recorded when transferring evidence between officers?

Accepted Answer

The names of both parties, date, time, and reason for the transfer

Answer

Only the date and case number

Answer

Only the signature of the receiving officer

Answer

The evidence description and storage location only

Question 5

What is the proper way to package wet biological evidence for long-term storage?

Accepted Answer

Allow it to air dry, then package in paper or breathable material

Answer

Seal it immediately in an airtight plastic bag to contain moisture

Answer

Place it in a sealed glass container with a chemical preservative

Answer

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss

Question 6

Under Michigan law, who is responsible for ensuring evidence retention periods are met?

Accepted Answer

The evidence custodian under the direction of agency leadership

Answer

The state attorney general's office exclusively

Answer

The individual officer who collected the evidence

Answer

The court clerk assigned to the case

Question 7

What action should an officer take if they discover that stored evidence has been compromised or tampered with?

Accepted Answer

Immediately notify the prosecutor and thoroughly document the compromise

Answer

Dispose of the compromised evidence and note the loss in the log

Answer

Replace the evidence with a similar item to preserve the case

Answer

Transfer the evidence to another location without further documentation