Investigation Techniques Flashcards
7 cards from real MTA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Investigation Techniques flashcards as text
An officer responds to a reported assault. The victim has visible injuries. What should be done before the victim is treated by paramedics if possible?
Answer: Photograph the injuries to document them
Injuries should be photographed prior to medical treatment when possible, as treatment may alter the appearance of wounds.
Which of the following is the BEST example of circumstantial evidence in a theft case?
Answer: Finding the stolen item in the defendant's home
Finding stolen property in the defendant's possession is circumstantial evidence that requires inference to connect the defendant to the crime.
What is the purpose of a 'show-up' identification procedure?
Answer: To allow a witness to view a single suspect shortly after a crime for quick identification
A show-up is a prompt, on-scene identification procedure where a witness views a single suspect shortly after the crime occurs.
During a drug investigation, an undercover officer purchases narcotics from a suspect. The officer did NOT suggest or pressure the purchase. This is an example of:
Answer: A legal undercover operation
Entrapment requires that the government induced an unwilling person to commit a crime; if the suspect was predisposed, the operation is legal.
A detective is reviewing surveillance footage from a robbery. The footage is blurry. What is the BEST next step?
Answer: Submit it to a forensic video analyst for enhancement
Forensic video analysts can enhance footage using specialized software that may reveal details not visible to the naked eye.
When writing a police report about an investigation, which of the following should be avoided?
Answer: Using jargon or abbreviations without explanation
Reports should use clear, plain language; undefined jargon and unexplained abbreviations can confuse readers and weaken the report in court.
An officer suspects a vehicle in a parking lot was used in a robbery but lacks probable cause for a full search. What is the officer permitted to do?
Answer: Conduct a limited exterior examination and run the plate
Without probable cause, an officer may conduct a non-invasive exterior observation and run the license plate through databases.