PI PI Evidence Collection and Chain of Custody 2

Question 1

What type of evidence label should a PI place on every collected item?

Accepted Answer

Case number, date and time of collection, location, and collector's name

Answer

Every evidence label must include the case number, collection date and time, location found, and the name of the person who collected it to support chain of custody documentation.

Question 2

When photographing a piece of physical evidence, a PI should include which item in at least one photograph?

Accepted Answer

A scale or ruler to show the object's size

Answer

Including a scale or ruler in evidence photographs provides an objective reference for the object's dimensions, which can be critical when evidence is presented in court without the original item.

Question 3

A PI working a workers' compensation fraud case films a claimant lifting heavy boxes. The best way to preserve this video as evidence is to:

Accepted Answer

Store the original file on write-protected media and create working copies for review

Answer

The original video file should be preserved on write-protected media to prevent alteration, while working copies are used for review, ensuring the original's integrity is maintained for court.

Question 4

When transferring physical evidence to an attorney or client, a PI should:

Accepted Answer

Require a signed receipt documenting what was transferred, to whom, and when

Answer

A signed receipt documenting the items transferred, the recipient's identity, and the date and time is essential to maintaining an unbroken chain of custody record.

Question 5

What does 'best evidence rule' mean for a PI presenting documentary evidence?

Accepted Answer

The original document is preferred over copies unless the original is unavailable

Answer

The best evidence rule requires that the original document be submitted as evidence when its contents are at issue, with copies only acceptable when the original cannot be produced.

(PI) Certified Private Investigator Practice Test

(PI) Certified Private Investigator Practice Test

PI PI Evidence Collection and Chain of Custody 2