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

Chain of custody ensures evidence integrity and admissibility by creating an unbroken documentary record of every person who handled the evidence.

Question 2

When should an officer begin documenting chain of custody?

Accepted Answer

At the moment the evidence is first collected or seized

Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Biological and DNA evidence

Answer

Biological and DNA evidence is highly susceptible to contamination, degradation, and cross-contamination, which can permanently destroy its evidentiary value.

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

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.

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

Wet biological evidence must be air-dried before packaging in paper because sealing it in plastic promotes mold and bacterial growth that destroys DNA.

MSCTC - Michigan Sheriffs' Coordinating and Training Council Practice Test

MSCTC - Michigan Sheriffs' Coordinating and Training Council Practice Test

MSCTC Evidence Handling & Chain of Custody