MTA Investigation Techniques 3

Question 1

An officer finds a discarded gun near a shooting scene. What is the correct first step in handling this evidence?

Accepted Answer

Leave it untouched and notify the evidence technician

Answer

Physical evidence should not be touched or moved until a trained evidence technician documents and properly collects it.

Question 2

During a homicide investigation, which document is used to track the possession and movement of physical evidence?

Accepted Answer

Chain of custody log

Answer

The chain of custody log records every person who handles evidence, ensuring its integrity for court proceedings.

Question 3

An investigator discovers that a key witness has a prior felony conviction. How should this affect the investigation?

Accepted Answer

The conviction should be noted, as it may affect credibility but does not disqualify testimony

Answer

A prior felony conviction affects a witness's credibility, which is evaluated by the jury, but does not automatically disqualify them from testifying.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of crime scene sketching?

Accepted Answer

To provide an accurate, scaled record of the scene's layout and evidence locations

Answer

Crime scene sketches provide a precise, scaled diagram that captures spatial relationships between evidence and landmarks.

Question 5

During a robbery investigation, you learn a pawn shop employee recognized the stolen property. This is an example of which investigative lead?

Accepted Answer

Community canvass lead

Answer

Identifying stolen property through community members such as pawn shop employees is a result of a community canvass effort.

MTA - Police Exam Practice Test

MTA - Police Exam Practice Test

MTA Investigation Techniques 3