PCI Evidence Collection & Chain of Custody 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of evidence is considered most objective because it is not subject to human interpretation at the time of collection?
- Testimonial evidence
- Documentary evidence
- Physical evidence (Correct answer)
- Opinion evidence
Correct answer: Physical evidence
Physical evidence (real evidence) exists independently of human perception and is not subject to the biases or memory errors that affect testimonial evidence.
Question 2: The 'best evidence rule' in legal proceedings requires that:
- Only the highest quality physical evidence is admissible
- The original document is produced rather than a copy when contents are disputed (Correct answer)
- Expert witnesses must be used to authenticate all evidence
- Investigators use the most advanced collection techniques available
Correct answer: The original document is produced rather than a copy when contents are disputed
The best evidence rule requires production of the original document when its contents are at issue, unless the original is unavailable for a valid reason.
Question 3: When documenting a crime scene through sketching, the investigator should include:
- Only items of obvious evidentiary value
- A north arrow, scale, legend, and the sketcher's identification (Correct answer)
- Artistic details to make the sketch more presentable in court
- Only measurements of items collected as evidence
Correct answer: A north arrow, scale, legend, and the sketcher's identification
A proper crime scene sketch must include orientation (north arrow), a scale or scale notation, a legend identifying symbols, and the preparer's identification.
Question 4: In investigations involving employee misconduct, which consideration is most important before collecting electronic evidence from a company computer?
- Determining the make and model of the computer
- Verifying the company's electronic monitoring policy and employee consent agreements (Correct answer)
- Identifying all software installed on the device
- Determining the employee's access level to company systems
Correct answer: Verifying the company's electronic monitoring policy and employee consent agreements
Reviewing the company's monitoring policy and any consent agreements employees signed determines the legal authority to collect electronic evidence without additional legal process.
Question 5: When an investigator must collect soil or dirt samples as evidence, the appropriate method is to:
- Collect only surface samples from the area of interest
- Use a single large container to combine all samples for efficiency
- Collect samples from multiple locations including control samples away from the scene (Correct answer)
- Dry the soil samples immediately before packaging to prevent contamination
Correct answer: Collect samples from multiple locations including control samples away from the scene
Soil evidence requires collection from the area of interest plus control samples from surrounding areas to allow meaningful laboratory comparison.
Question 6: The primary purpose of photographing evidence with a scale marker present is to:
- Make the photographs appear more professional
- Allow accurate measurement of the item from the photograph (Correct answer)
- Indicate the photographer's identification
- Satisfy chain of custody requirements
Correct answer: Allow accurate measurement of the item from the photograph
A scale marker (ruler or measurement reference) in evidence photographs allows anyone viewing the image to determine the actual size of the item depicted.
Question 7: When collecting fiber evidence, investigators should avoid:
- Using forceps or tweezers for collection
- Collecting fibers before photographing their location (Correct answer)
- Packaging each fiber sample in a separate container
- Wearing gloves during the collection process
Correct answer: Collecting fibers before photographing their location
Fibers, like all trace evidence, must be photographed in place before collection to document their original location and context.
PCI Evidence Collection & Chain of Custody 3
Which type of evidence is considered most objective because it is not subject to human interpretation at the time of collection?