PI PI Evidence Collection and Chain of Custody

Question 1

What is 'chain of custody' in the context of physical evidence collected by a PI?

Accepted Answer

A documented record tracking who handled evidence from collection through presentation

Answer

A legal order restricting a subject's movements

Answer

A checklist of witnesses present at a crime scene

Answer

A court procedure for admitting hearsay evidence

Question 2

A PI collecting physical evidence should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Photograph the evidence in its original position before touching it

Answer

Pick up the item and bag it immediately

Answer

Call the client to confirm the item is relevant

Answer

Place the item in a clear plastic bag to preserve fingerprints

Question 3

Which of the following would most seriously compromise the admissibility of physical evidence a PI collected?

Accepted Answer

Failing to log each person who handled the evidence after collection

Answer

Storing the evidence in a locked vehicle overnight

Answer

Using a tamper-evident evidence bag

Answer

Labeling the bag with the date and case number

Question 4

When a PI obtains a document as evidence, it should be stored in:

Accepted Answer

A sealed, labeled evidence envelope with the handler's initials and date

Answer

A regular manila folder in a filing cabinet

Answer

A plastic sleeve with only the case number

Answer

The client's possession for safekeeping

Question 5

A PI discovers potential evidence on private property without the owner's permission. Taking this evidence would most likely constitute:

Accepted Answer

Theft and potentially trespassing, making the evidence inadmissible

Answer

A valid collection under exigent circumstances

Answer

A civil seizure allowed under PI licensing law

Answer

A legal collection if the evidence relates to a crime

Question 6

Why should a PI avoid touching potential evidence with bare hands?

Accepted Answer

To prevent contaminating latent fingerprints or DNA that may be on the item

Answer

To comply with OSHA workplace safety regulations

Answer

To avoid liability if the item is later found to be someone's personal property

Answer

To ensure the item does not appear to have been moved