DCJS DCJS Crime Scene Management & Evidence Handling Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the FIRST priority upon arriving at any crime scene?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the safety of the officer and any persons present

Answer

Officer and bystander safety always takes precedence before any investigative actions are taken at a crime scene.

Question 2

The first responding officer at a crime scene is primarily responsible for:

Accepted Answer

Securing and protecting the scene from contamination

Answer

The first responder's core duty is to secure the scene so evidence integrity is preserved for investigators.

Question 3

A crime scene perimeter should be established:

Accepted Answer

As large as reasonably necessary to protect all potential evidence

Answer

A larger perimeter reduces the chance of inadvertently excluding key evidence areas and can always be tightened later.

Question 4

Which action by a first responder CONTAMINATES a crime scene?

Accepted Answer

Walking through the scene without gloves or protective footwear

Answer

Walking through a scene without protective equipment can transfer trace evidence and compromise the scene's integrity.

Question 5

When securing a crime scene, officers must document:

Accepted Answer

Arrival time, initial observations, and the identity of all persons who entered the scene

Answer

Documenting arrival time, observations, and scene access log creates a foundation for the chain of custody and prosecution.

(DCJS) VA DCJS Law Enforcement Certification Practice Test