Evidence Collection and Documentation Flashcards

Under California law, what is the standard for an officer to have 'reasonable articulable suspicion' to temporarily detain a person?

Answer: Specific, objective, articulable facts suggesting criminal activity

Reasonable articulable suspicion requires specific, objective facts an officer can clearly describe that indicate criminal activity is afoot.

What is 'exculpatory evidence' and why must it be documented and disclosed?

Answer: Evidence that tends to prove the suspect's innocence or reduce culpability

Exculpatory evidence is material that could prove innocence or mitigate guilt and must be disclosed to the defense under Brady v. Maryland.

What does the term 'corpus delicti' mean in criminal law?

Answer: The body of facts that prove a crime has been committed

Corpus delicti means 'body of the crime' and refers to the essential facts that establish a crime actually occurred.

Which of the following is an example of documentary evidence?

Answer: A signed contract found at a fraud scene

Documentary evidence includes written or recorded materials such as contracts, receipts, or correspondence that are relevant to a case.

Why should an officer avoid forming conclusions in a police report?

Answer: Reports must remain objective and factual so they hold up under legal scrutiny

Police reports must be factual and objective; subjective conclusions can be challenged and may undermine the credibility of the entire report.

What is the significance of 'booking' evidence at the station?

Answer: It officially enters evidence into the department's custody system with an assigned number

Booking evidence into the department's property system assigns a tracking number and formally establishes custody, continuing the chain of custody.