PC 832 - PC 832 Arrest and Firearms Course Criminal Investigation Fundamentals Questions and Answers

Question 1

An officer is the first to arrive at the scene of a residential burglary.
The distraught homeowner is present and attempting to point out what was stolen.
What is the officer's MOST critical initial responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Secure the scene to prevent the contamination or destruction of evidence.

Answer

Conduct a detailed interview with the homeowner to get a suspect description.

Answer

Begin collecting visible items of potential evidence, such as footprints.

Answer

Immediately broadcast a description of the stolen items to other units.

Question 2

Which of the following best defines the 'chain of custody' in a criminal investigation?

Accepted Answer

The chronological written record documenting the handling of an item of evidence from its collection to its presentation in court.

Answer

The physical path a suspect took when committing a crime.

Answer

The order in which witnesses are interviewed by detectives.

Answer

A legal document authorizing the seizure of evidence from a specific location.

Question 3

The protections established by Miranda v. Arizona are required when a person is subjected to which of the following two conditions?

Accepted Answer

Custody and Interrogation

Answer

Arrest and Booking

Answer

Detention and Questioning

Answer

Suspicion and a Pat-down Search

Question 4

An officer detains a person matching the description of a robbery suspect approximately 15 minutes after the crime occurred and two blocks away. The officer transports the witness to the detention location to potentially identify the suspect. This procedure is known as a:

Accepted Answer

Field Show-up

Answer

Live Lineup

Answer

Photographic Lineup

Answer

Custodial Interrogation

Question 5

An investigator finds a suspect's fingerprint on a weapon left at a crime scene. By itself, the fingerprint is an example of what type of evidence?

Accepted Answer

Circumstantial evidence

Answer

Testimonial evidence

Answer

Exculpatory evidence

Answer

Direct evidence

Question 6

When writing an investigative report, which of the following is the most important characteristic an officer should strive for?

Accepted Answer

Presenting a clear, chronological, and objective account of the incident.

Answer

Including personal opinions about the suspect's guilt.

Answer

Recording only the facts that support a potential conviction.

Answer

Using complex legal terminology to demonstrate expertise.