NYSP Criminal Investigation and Evidence 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a NYSP trooper arrives at a crime scene, what is the first priority?
- Secure and preserve the scene (Correct answer)
- Collect all physical evidence immediately
- Interview bystanders
- File the incident report
Correct answer: Secure and preserve the scene
The first priority at any crime scene is to secure and preserve it to prevent contamination or loss of evidence.
Question 2: Which type of evidence refers to physical objects found at a crime scene?
- Testimonial evidence
- Real evidence (Correct answer)
- Demonstrative evidence
- Documentary evidence
Correct answer: Real evidence
Real evidence consists of tangible, physical objects such as weapons, clothing, or tools found at a crime scene.
Question 3: What legal standard must be met for a NYSP trooper to make a warrantless arrest?
- Reasonable suspicion
- Probable cause (Correct answer)
- Preponderance of evidence
- Beyond reasonable doubt
Correct answer: Probable cause
Probable cause — a reasonable belief that a person has committed a crime — is required for a warrantless arrest.
Question 4: Which Miranda right must be read to a suspect before custodial interrogation?
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to remain silent (Correct answer)
- Right to bail
- Right to confront witnesses
Correct answer: Right to remain silent
The right to remain silent is a core Miranda warning that must be given before any custodial interrogation.
Question 5: What is the chain of custody in evidence handling?
- The list of charges against a suspect
- The documented record tracking evidence from collection to court (Correct answer)
- The order in which witnesses are interviewed
- The sequence of patrol shifts at a crime scene
Correct answer: The documented record tracking evidence from collection to court
Chain of custody is a chronological documentation showing who collected, handled, and transferred evidence to ensure its integrity.
Question 6: Which of the following is considered trace evidence?
- A written confession
- Hair and fiber samples (Correct answer)
- A surveillance video
- An eyewitness statement
Correct answer: Hair and fiber samples
Trace evidence includes microscopic materials such as hair, fibers, and glass fragments transferred between a suspect and a scene.
NYSP Criminal Investigation and Evidence 1
When a NYSP trooper arrives at a crime scene, what is the first priority?